ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE Meaning and
Definition
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Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a hormone produced and released by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. Its main function is to regulate the body's water balance by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys and the concentration of urine produced.
ADH acts primarily on the kidneys, where it increases the reabsorption of water back into the bloodstream. This process occurs in the nephrons of the kidneys, specifically in the collecting ducts. ADH enhances the permeability of these ducts to water, allowing it to be absorbed into the surrounding blood vessels. As a result, less water is lost in urine, and the body can retain more water, leading to concentrated urine.
The secretion of ADH is tightly regulated by the body's internal water levels. When the body is dehydrated or there is a decrease in blood volume, the hypothalamus receives signals to release ADH, which subsequently increases water reabsorption. On the other hand, when the body is adequately hydrated, ADH secretion is suppressed, promoting the excretion of more dilute urine.
The proper functioning of ADH is crucial for maintaining fluid balance within the body. Imbalances in ADH production or response can result in conditions such as diabetes insipidus, where the body is unable to retain water and excessive amounts of dilute urine are produced, or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), where abnormally high levels of ADH cause water retention and the formation of concentrated urine.
Common Misspellings for ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE
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Etymology of ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE
The word "antidiuretic hormone" can be broken down into its component parts for a better understanding of its etymology:
1. Anti-: This prefix comes from the Greek word "anti", meaning "against" or "opposite". It is often used to indicate something that works against or counteracts a particular function or process.
2. Diuretic: This word comes from the Greek word "diourētikos", from "dia" meaning "through", and "ourein" meaning "urine". A diuretic is a substance or medication that promotes the production of urine or increases urination.
3. Hormone: This word comes from the Greek word "hormon", which means "that which sets in motion". In biology, hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the body that regulate various physiological processes.
Similar spelling word for ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE
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