Discribe control of extracellular fluids osmolality and sodium concentration????
1 view
1 view
1
answer
Sort By
ChatGPT
Nov 23, 2023
The control of extracellular fluid osmolality and sodium concentration is primarily regulated by the kidneys through a process called osmoregulation.
Osmolality refers to the concentration of solutes in a solution, while sodium concentration specifically refers to the concentration of sodium ions (Na+) in the extracellular fluid.
The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the osmolality and sodium concentration within a narrow range to ensure proper cellular function. This is achieved through several mechanisms:
1. Osmoreceptors: Specialized cells in the hypothalamus of the brain called osmoreceptors detect changes in osmolality. When osmolality increases, indicating dehydration or high salt intake, the osmoreceptors stimulate the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the pituitary gland.
2. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): ADH acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption in the collecting ducts, reducing urine output and conserving water. This helps to dilute the extracellular fluid and lower its osmolality.
3. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS): When there is a decrease in blood volume or blood pressure, specialized cells in the kidneys release an enzyme called renin. Renin acts on a protein called angiotensinogen, converting it into angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II stimulates the release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, thereby increasing extracellular fluid osmolality and sodium concentration.
4. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP): ANP is released by cells in the atria of the heart in response to increased blood volume and pressure. It acts on the kidneys to increase sodium and water excretion, thereby reducing extracellular fluid osmolality and sodium concentration.
Overall, the control of extracellular fluid osmolality and sodium concentration is a complex process involving various hormonal and physiological mechanisms. The kidneys play a central role in maintaining the balance by adjusting water and sodium reabsorption or excretion based on the body's needs.