Osmoregulation is the process by which the body regulates the volume of water in the body. Define homeostasis and describe where osmoreceptors are located. Explain how osmoreceptors work and describe the key osmoregulation hormone and its target organ.

Osmoreceptors are located in the brain, within they posterior pituitary of the hypothalamus.Osmoreceptors shrink in response to reduced water in the blood due to movement of water from the osmoreceptor into the blood.In response, the pituitary secretes ADH (anti diuretic hormone).ADH signals to the kidney to increase permeability and re-uptake of water from the kidney (distal tubule/collecting duct) into the blood by osmosis.

JK
Answered by Joely K. Biology tutor

3694 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is sex linkage?


Maltase is an enzyme found in the body that breaks down maltose. Explain why maltase can only catalyse this reaction?


Explain how the structure of RNA differs from that of DNA? (3 marks)


Explain what is meant by counter current exchange in fish? Describe how it works and what adaptations the gills have to assist it.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning