Question

Osmoreceptor cells in the hypothalamus are involved in the secretion of
A. GH
B. Aldosterone
C. ADH
D. ACTH

Answer 1

Hint: ADH is known as an Anti-Diuretic Hormone or vasopressin. It is responsible for maintaining various physical processes such as bleeding, septic shocks and maintaining blood pressure etc. It is an important hormone secreted by the hypothalamus and malfunctioning of this hormone can lead to a disorder known as diabetes insipidus.
Complete step-by-step answer: Osmoreceptors are sensory receptors found in the hypothalamus which detect the change in the osmotic pressure in the body. Osmoregulation is the process of maintaining water and salt balance in the body. Osmoreceptors detect the changes in water and salt content of the body and help maintain it by releasing a hormone known as Vasopressin.
Antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin is released by the neurohypophysis of the pituitary gland which is under control of the hypothalamus. As the name suggests- vasopressin, ADH helps in constricting the blood vessels and causes increase in the blood pressure. It is responsible for retention of water within the body depending upon the internal conditions. When the water content of the body falls, ADH secretion is increased which prevents the formation of dilute urine and hence prevents water loss.
ADH is regulated by-
- When there is a decrease in blood volume or blood pressure, the large blood vessels detect this and receptors on the heart stimulate the release of ADH hormone.
- Increase in salt concentration also controls ADH secretion.
Therefore, the correct answer is C- ADH.
Note: High levels of ADH cause water retention in the blood which makes the blood more dilute. Lower level of ADH causes excessive dilute urine which leads to water loss and dehydrates the body. Hence, from the above we understand that ADH helps in osmoregulation of the body by maintaining its water levels and osmoreceptor cells help in the secretion of ADH as they bring the necessary nerve impulse which helps in detection of change in osmotic pressure.