Question

The hormones of the pituitary are oxytocin and vasopressin, but the latter is better known as
A. Antidiuretic hormone
B. Corticotropic hormone
C. Mineralocorticoids
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The one function of vasopressin is to control water amount in the body by regulating water excretion by the kidney, it helps to regulate water amount in the body and prevent dehydration.

Complete answer: Vasopressin also works as osmoreceptors in the body are activated by changes in blood volume, body fluid volume, and ionic concentration. An excessive loss of fluid from the body can activate these receptors which stimulate the hypothalamus to release vasopressin from the neurohypophysis. Vasopressin facilitates water reabsorption from the latter parts of the tubule, thereby preventing diuresis (excessive urination). An increase in body fluid volume can switch off the osmoreceptors and suppress the vasopressin release to complete the feedback. Due to this function of vasopressin, it is also called antidiuretic hormone.
So, the correct answer is option (A).
Additional Information:
Vasopressin and oxytocin is a pituitary hormone. Neurophysins comprise 25% of the pituitary gland. It is also called pars nervosa or posterior pituitary. It does not produce or secrete any hormone of its own. The two neurohormones synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted by neurohypophysis are oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone.

Note: Vasopressin also has a constriction effect in arterioles. During vasodilatory shock and cardiac arrest vasopressin release in high amounts. In medical treatment, vasopressin is used to treat cardiac arrest. It is a very powerful vasoconstrictor. Due to its ability to constrict blood vessels, it is known as vasopressin. The antidiuretic hormone can also affect kidney function by its contradictory effects on blood vessels. This causes an increase in blood pressure. An increase in blood pressure can increase the glomerular blood flow and thereby the GFR.