How can diuretics be used to decrease blood pressure?

Diuretics can reduce the amount of Na+ that is reabsorbed by the nephron (leads to excretion of more salt and water in the urine)
The reabsorption of Na+ from the kidney tubule back into the capillaries lowers the water potential of the medulla. This drives the reabsorption of water from the kidney tubule via osmosis. If the amount of sodium reabsorbed is decreased, then the amount of water reabsorbed will also decrease. This means more water will be removed from the body in the urine, lowering the water content of the blood. This in turn will reduce blood volume and therefore blood pressure.

KK

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

The epithelial cells in the lungs are arranged into alveoli. Explain how the alveoli create a surface for efficient gaseous exchange.


Describe the way in which the normal heart beat is initiated and controlled


Explain how nerve transmission occurs at the synapse.


How is blood in the veins returned to the heart?