GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH)

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Homeostasis and Response Hormonal Coordination in Humans

Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH)

3:21 The Kidneys in Action
Spec 4.5.3.3
Previous Interpreting Kidney Data Next Hormonal Contraception
  • Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) controls the water content of the blood by regulating urine volume.
  • Diuretic substances like coffee and alcohol increase urine water content, leading to more frequent urination and dehydration.
  • ADH works oppositely by decreasing water in the urine, making it more concentrated with solutes like ions, glucose, and urea.
  • ADH is produced by the pituitary gland in response to low water levels in the blood, detected by the brain.
  • The pituitary gland, known as the master gland, releases hormones that act on other glands in the body.
  • ADH travels through the bloodstream to the kidneys, the target organ for ADH.
  • In the kidneys, ADH increases the permeability of kidney tubules, allowing more water to be reabsorbed into the blood and less water to be lost in urine.
  • The action of ADH is an example of negative feedback, aiming to maintain a healthy level of water in the blood.
  • When water levels are low, the pituitary gland releases more ADH; when levels are high, it reduces ADH release, helping balance water levels in the body.

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