which of the following is greater?
a) the amount of ADH released when blood osmolarity is high
b) the amount of ADH released when blood osmolarity is low
To determine which of the following is greater, the amount of ADH released when blood osmolarity is high or low, we need to understand the relationship between ADH release and blood osmolarity.
ADH, or antidiuretic hormone, is released by the pituitary gland in response to changes in blood osmolarity. Its primary function is to regulate the body's water balance by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys.
When blood osmolarity is high, it means that there is a higher concentration of solutes in the blood, indicating a state of dehydration. In this condition, the body tries to conserve water by increasing the release of ADH. The released ADH acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption, resulting in concentrated urine and reduced water loss.
On the other hand, when blood osmolarity is low, it means that there is a lower concentration of solutes in the blood, indicating a state of overhydration. In this condition, the body tries to eliminate excess water by decreasing the release of ADH. The reduced ADH levels cause the kidneys to reabsorb less water, leading to dilute urine and increased water loss.
Based on this information, the amount of ADH released when blood osmolarity is high is greater than the amount released when blood osmolarity is low. This is because the body needs to conserve water more aggressively when facing dehydration compared to when it is trying to get rid of excess water.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
a) the amount of ADH released when blood osmolarity is high.