Question

Antidiuretic hormone is secreted by
A) Hypothalamus
B) Pituitary gland
C) Liver
D) Small intestine

Answer 1

Hint: Anti-diuretic hormone or ADH or Vasopressin is a hormone that helps to control blood pressure by acting on the kidneys and the blood vessels. Its most important role is to conserve the fluid volume of your body as it reduces the amount of water excreted out in the urine. This hormone is known for water and sodium retention.

Complete Answer:
- The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland that regulates vital body functions. It is referred to as the body's 'master gland' because it controls the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands.
- The pituitary gland has two parts neurohypophysis and adenohypophysis. The hormone ADH (vasopressin) is released from the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary gland).
- ADH is synthesized by the hypothalamus and stored in the neurohypophysis.
- When blood volume is decreased or sodium concentration of blood is increased due to dehydration the ADH is released from the neurohypophysis. ADH causes retention of water by kidneys and maintains blood volume.

So, the ‘Pituitary Gland ’ is the correct answer.

Additional information: In general, vasopressin decreases water excretion by the kidneys by increasing water reabsorption in the collecting ducts, hence its other name of antidiuretic hormone. Vasopressin also has a potent constricting effect on arterioles throughout the body.

Note: The ADH hormone is produced by the hypothalamus but released by the pituitary gland.