Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Definition

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a peptide hormone produced primarily by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland, which regulates water balance in the body by increasing the absorption of water in the kidneys. This process decreases urine volume, conserves body water, and increases blood pressure.

Related terms

Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that controls an immense number of bodily functions including hunger, thirst, sleep, and emotions, as well as regulating hormone production.

Posterior Pituitary Gland: An extension of the hypothalamus from which ADH is released into the bloodstream to act on distant targets like kidneys.

Osmoregulation: The process by which living organisms control the concentration of water and electrolytes in their bodies to maintain homeostasis