Osmoregulation

• Control of water potential of body fluids known as osmoregulation 

  • Key part of homeostasis 
  • Specialized sensory neurons known as osmoreceptors monitor the water potential in the blood, these osmoreceptors are found in an area of the brain knows as the hypothalamus 
  • If detect a decrease in water potential of blood, nerve impulses sent along sensory neurons to the posterior pituitary gland 
  • Stimulate the pituitary gland to release antidiuretic hormone (ADH) 
  • ADH molecules enter the blood and travel throughout the body 
  • ADH causes kidneys to reabsorb more water 
  • Reduces water lost by urine