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ADH is not the only way the body corrects its water balance. Several extra feedback mechanisms work alongside it.
Thirst. When the blood water potential falls, the osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus also stimulate the thirst centre, producing the feeling of thirst. Drinking raises the blood water potential. When it returns to normal, the osmoreceptors are stimulated less and thirst stops. This is a behavioural negative feedback. Swallowing water also gives a quick, temporary reduction in thirst before the water is even absorbed, which helps to stop us drinking far too much.
Removal of ADH. ADH is broken down continually, mainly in the liver, so it has a short half-life in the blood (roughly 10 to 20 minutes). This means the ADH concentration falls quickly when release slows, so the kidneys respond within minutes to a change in blood water potential.
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Key terms in this lesson
- baroreceptors
- Receptors in blood vessel walls, such as the aorta and carotid arteries, that detect changes in blood pressure.
- thirst centre
- A region of the hypothalamus that produces the sensation of thirst when blood water potential falls.
More in Homeostasis
- Adaptations
- Control of Osmoregulation
- ADH
- Negative Feedback Control
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Thermoregulation
- Losing or Gaining Heat
- Control of Body Temperature
All 41 lessons in Homeostasis · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics