ADH and Controlling Water Balance Flashcards

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What does ADH stand for and what type of substance is it?

ADH stands for anti-diuretic hormone. It is a hormone that helps control the amount of water in the blood.

Where in the body is ADH released from?

ADH is released into the blood from the pituitary gland in the brain.

What is meant by water balance in the body?

Water balance means the amount of water you take in is equal to the amount you lose, so the water level in your body stays steady.

How does the brain know when the blood is too concentrated (low water content)?

Receptors in a part of the brain detect that the blood is too concentrated and send signals to release more ADH.

What effect does more ADH have on the kidney tubules and collecting ducts?

More ADH makes the kidney tubules and collecting ducts more permeable, so more water can pass through and be reabsorbed into the blood.

What happens to the volume and concentration of urine when ADH levels are high?

You make a small volume of dark, concentrated urine because the kidneys have reabsorbed more water.

What happens to ADH release when you drink a lot of water?

Less ADH is released, so the kidney tubules are less permeable and less water is reabsorbed.

What happens to the volume and concentration of urine when ADH levels are low?

You make a large volume of pale, dilute urine because less water is reabsorbed by the kidneys.

How does ADH help control water balance by negative feedback?

If blood becomes too concentrated, more ADH is released so the kidneys keep more water and the blood is diluted. When the blood returns to normal, ADH levels fall again.

Why is it important to keep the water content of the blood steady for cells?

If the blood has too little water, cells lose water and shrink. If the blood has too much water, cells gain water and may swell and burst.

After heavy exercise on a hot day, would you expect ADH levels to be high or low? Why?

ADH levels would be high because you have lost water in sweat, so more ADH helps your kidneys save water and keep your blood concentration steady.

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