VASOPRESSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Vasopressin is a noun that refers to a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. Also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), vasopressin plays a crucial role in regulating the body's water balance and blood pressure.
Vasopressin acts on the kidneys to reduce the amount of water excreted in the urine, thereby conserving water in the body. It achieves this by increasing the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, enhancing the concentration of urine and reducing its volume. As a result, vasopressin helps maintain proper hydration levels, especially during periods of dehydration or low water intake.
In addition to its role in water conservation, vasopressin also acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels to elevate blood pressure. This effect is achieved by binding to specific receptors on smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, causing them to constrict and resulting in increased resistance to blood flow. By elevating blood pressure, vasopressin helps maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs in situations where blood volume may be low, such as during hemorrhage or shock.
Abnormal levels of vasopressin can lead to various medical conditions. Excessive release of this hormone can cause excessive water retention in the body, resulting in a condition called water intoxication or hyponatremia. Conversely, insufficient vasopressin secretion can lead to diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive urination and thirst due to the inability of the kidneys to properly concentrate urine.
In summary, vasopressin is a hormone that regulates water balance and blood pressure by reducing urine volume and elevating blood pressure.
Common Misspellings for VASOPRESSIN
- casopressin
- basopressin
- gasopressin
- fasopressin
- vzsopressin
- vssopressin
- vwsopressin
- vqsopressin
- vaaopressin
- vazopressin
- vaxopressin
- vadopressin
- vaeopressin
- vawopressin
- vasipressin
- vaskpressin
- vaslpressin
- vasppressin
- vas0pressin
- vasopreessin
Etymology of VASOPRESSIN
The word "vasopressin" is derived from the Latin word "vaso", meaning "vessel", and the word "pressor", which comes from the Latin verb "premere", meaning "to press". Therefore, the term "vasopressin" can be roughly translated as "pressing on blood vessels". This name accurately describes the hormone's physiological function as a vasoconstrictor, or a substance that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure.
Similar spelling word for VASOPRESSIN
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