In: Biology
Explain the process of osmoregulation. (3)
Osmoregulation is the process of regulating osmotic pressure in the organism by controlling water & electrolytes (salts) concentration. It is one of the mechanisms to maintain homeostasis in organism. Osmoregulation is majorly divided into two types- osmoconformers (Organisms that maintain osmotic pressure of their body with their surroundings. Ex. Lobsters, Jellyfish etc.) & osmoregulators (Organisms that maintain constant osmotic pressure of their body irrespective of the environment. Ex. Human, Fish (both marine & fresh water) etc.)
Osmoregulation in Human:
Primary osmoregulatory organ is kidney in human. When water content of the blood is too low (Due to sweating or any other factor) brain produces more ADH (Antidiuretic hormone) which results in reabsorption of high volume of water by kidney. So, low amount of hypertonic (concentrated) urine is produced to increase the water level in the body. When water content of the blood is high (Too much water intake) brain produces less ADH which results in reabsorption of low volume of water by kidney. So, high amount of hypotonic (diluted) urine is produced to lower the water level in the body.