Summarizing Hormonal Control of Osmoregulatory Functions

Summary

Hormonal cues help the kidneys synchronize the osmotic needs of the body. Hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine, renin-angiotensin, aldosterone, anti-diuretic hormone, and atrial natriuretic peptide help regulate the needs of the body as well as the communication between the different organ systems.

Glossary

angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)

enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II

angiotensin I

product in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway

angiotensin II

molecule that affects different organs to increase blood pressure

anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

hormone that prevents the loss of water

renin-angiotensin-aldosterone

biochemical pathway that activates angiotensin II, which increases blood pressure

vasodilator

compound that increases the diameter of blood vessels

vasopressin

another name for anti-diuretic hormone