Biology » The Excretory System » Hormonal Control of Osmoregulatory Functions

Hormonal Control of Osmoregulatory Functions

Hormonal Control of Osmoregulatory Functions

While the kidneys operate to maintain osmotic balance and blood pressure in the body, they also act in concert with hormones. Hormones are small molecules that act as messengers within the body. Hormones are typically secreted from one cell and travel in the bloodstream to affect a target cell in another portion of the body. Different regions of the nephron bear specialized cells that have receptors to respond to chemical messengers and hormones. The table below summarizes the hormones that control the osmoregulatory functions.

Hormones That Affect Osmoregulation
HormoneWhere producedFunction
Epinephrine and NorepinephrineAdrenal medullaCan decrease kidney function temporarily by vasoconstriction
ReninKidney nephronsIncreases blood pressure by acting on angiotensinogen
AngiotensinLiverAngiotensin II affects multiple processes and increases blood pressure
AldosteroneAdrenal cortexPrevents loss of sodium and water
Anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin)Hypothalamus (stored in the posterior pituitary)Prevents water loss
Atrial natriuretic peptideHeart atriumDecreases blood pressure by acting as a vasodilator and increasing glomerular filtration rate; decreases sodium reabsorption in kidneys

Got questions about this content? Get access to an AI-Powered Study Help/Tutor you can chat with as you learn! Continue Learning With Ulearngo


[Attributions and Licenses]


This is a lesson from the tutorial, The Excretory System and you are encouraged to log in or register, so that you can track your progress.

Log In

Share Thoughts