osmoregulation Flashcards
2.78
1
Q
what is osmoregulation?
A
the process of maintaining water & salt concentrations across membranes in the body
2
Q
what is osmoregulation an example of?
A
homeostasis
3
Q
why is osmoregulation important?
A
- cytoplasm of most cells is largely composed of water- same with the blood plasma
- maintaining water levels in the body is vital as a result of osmosis
- if cells lose or gain too much water, they do not function efficiently
4
Q
what are the 2 sources of water in the body?
A
- water produced as a result of aerobic respiration
- water in the diet
5
Q
how is water lost from the body?
A
- via the lungs (exhalation)- breathing out
- lost from the skin as sweat
6
Q
what is the control of water reabsorption by the tubules an example of?
A
negative feedback
7
Q
if the water content of the blood is too high, how much water is reabsorbed?
A
less water
8
Q
if the water content of the blood is too low, how much water is reabsorbed?
A
more water
9
Q
what gland releases ADH?
A
the pituitary gland
10
Q
what does ADH affect in the nephron?
A
the permeability of the tubules to water
11
Q
if the water content of the blood is too high?
A
- pituitary gland releases less ADH
- less water is reabsorbed by osmosis due to the collecting duct being less permeable to water
- the kidneys produce a large volume of dilute urine
12
Q
if the water content of the blood is too low?
A
- pituitary gland releases more ADH
- more water is reabsorbed by osmosis due to the collecting duct being more permeable to water
- the kidneys produce a smaller volume of concentrated urine
