Osmoregulation

• Define osmoregulatory?

  Regulate their osmotic concentration to be either higher or lower than their external environment.
• Define osmoconformers?

  Allow their osmotic concentration to be equal to the concentration of the external environment.
• Describe the structural features affect on homeostatic mechanisms?

  In the excretory system, water filtration occurs in the loop of Henle (kidneys, nephron) during excretion.
• Describe the effect of behavioural responses on osmoregulation.

  Aestivation can assist in osmoregulation as metabolic rate slows less water is needed to sustain life.
• Describe physiological mechanisms affect on osmoregulation.

  Excretion of uric acid allows for less water to be lost through urine. Increasing the concentration of urine allows for less water lost. Using cellular respiration for water production. Active management of solute absorption/exclusion.
• Describe homeostatic mechanisms affect on osmoregulation.

  Osmotic concentration is detected by the hypothalamus, which signals the pituitary gland. When water level drops too low, the pituitary gland releases ADH increasing water absorption in collecting ducts. Same the opposite.