Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

42. Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation and Excretion

General Biology

42. Osmoregulation and Excretion

Osmoregulation and Excretion

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1:42 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

What effect does antidiuretic hormone (ADH) have on the nephron?
a. It increases the water permeability of the descending limb of the loop of Henle.
b. It decreases the water permeability of the descending limb of the loop of Henle.
c. It increases the water permeability of the collecting duct.
d. It decreases the water permeability of the collecting duct.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the body: ADH is a hormone that helps regulate water balance by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Identify the parts of the nephron involved in water reabsorption: The nephron includes structures such as the loop of Henle and the collecting duct, which play roles in concentrating urine and reabsorbing water.

Focus on the collecting duct: ADH primarily affects the collecting duct, where it increases the permeability of the duct to water, allowing more water to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream.

Consider the options given: Options a and b refer to the loop of Henle, which is not the primary site of ADH action. Options c and d refer to the collecting duct, which is the correct site of ADH action.

Determine the correct effect of ADH: ADH increases water permeability in the collecting duct, allowing more water to be reabsorbed, which corresponds to option c.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Its primary role is to regulate water balance in the body by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys. ADH increases the permeability of the kidney's collecting ducts to water, allowing more water to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, thus concentrating the urine and reducing urine volume.

Nephron Structure

The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. It consists of several parts, including the glomerulus, proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, and collecting duct. Each segment has specific functions in the process of urine formation, such as filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. Understanding the role of each part, particularly the collecting duct, is crucial for comprehending how ADH affects water reabsorption.

Water Permeability in the Collecting Duct

Water permeability in the collecting duct is a key factor in the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. Under the influence of ADH, aquaporin channels are inserted into the membrane of the collecting duct cells, increasing their permeability to water. This allows more water to be reabsorbed from the filtrate back into the bloodstream, thereby concentrating the urine and conserving water in the body. This process is essential for maintaining fluid balance and preventing dehydration.