Osmoregulation Flashcards

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What is osmoregulation?

Keeping the water content of the blood within safe limits.

Why must the blood’s water content stay steady?

To stop cells swelling or shrinking by osmosis, which can harm them.

Which organ mainly controls the water content of the blood?

The kidneys.

Which part of the brain monitors the blood’s water level?

The hypothalamus.

Which gland releases the hormone ADH?

The pituitary gland.

What does ADH do in the kidneys?

It makes the collecting ducts more permeable, so more water is reabsorbed.

What happens when blood water content is too low?

More ADH is released. The kidneys reabsorb more water. You make a small volume of concentrated urine.

What happens when blood water content is too high?

Less ADH is released. The kidneys reabsorb less water. You make a large volume of dilute urine.

Why is osmoregulation an example of negative feedback?

A change in water level triggers responses that bring it back to normal.

Name two ways the body loses water each day.

In urine and in sweat. Some water is also lost in breath and faeces.