What effect does ADH release have on the blood osmolarity?

ADH (anti diuretic hormone) is a hormone that is released when the hypothalamus detects high blood osmolarity or when blood pressure is low. It is released from the posterior pituitary gland into the blood. ADH binds to vasopressin receptors on the collecting duct which cause enzyme cascades in the epithelial cells of the collecting duct. The enzyme cascade causes vesicles of aquaporins to move towards the plasma membrane and insert onto the apical surfaces of the epithelial cells. Aquaporins are protein channels that facilitate the diffusion of water from the collecting duct lumen back into the epithelial cells and eventually back into the blood. This increases the resorption of water back into the blood which increases the blood volume and decreases the osmolarity.

AY
Answered by Antoinette Y. Biology tutor

8795 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how an action potential is transmitted down the axon of a myelinated neurone


During the light-independent reaction of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is converted into organic substances. Describe how. (6marks)


DNA contains the information that an organism needs to survive. How is this information read and transformed into funcional products?


What is the difference between interspecific competition and intraspecific competition?


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