The human body is a complex system that relies on different hormones to regulate various functions. One of these hormones is the antidiuretic hormone or ADH. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating the amount of water in the body. In this article, we will define and explore the meaning and associations of the antidiuretic hormone.
Definitions
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. Its primary function is to regulate the amount of water in the body by reducing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. ADH is also known as vasopressin.
Origin
The antidiuretic hormone was first discovered in 1928 by a British physiologist named Leonard T. Skeggs Jr. He isolated the hormone from the posterior pituitary gland of a pig and found that it had antidiuretic properties.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antidiuretic hormone is defined as “a hormone that is produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland and that regulates water and electrolyte balance in the body by increasing the reabsorption of water by the kidneys.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines antidiuretic hormone as “a hormone that reduces the production of urine by promoting the reabsorption of water in the kidneys.”
Associations
Antidiuretic hormone is associated with several conditions, including diabetes insipidus, which is a rare disorder that causes excessive thirst and urination. ADH is also associated with hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of antidiuretic hormone include vasopressin, arginine vasopressin, and ADH.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of antidiuretic hormone as it is a specific hormone with a unique function.
The same root words
There are no root words associated with antidiuretic hormone.
Example Sentences
- The antidiuretic hormone regulates the amount of water in the body by reducing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys.
- Patients with diabetes insipidus have a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone, which causes excessive urination.
- Hyponatremia can be caused by an overproduction of antidiuretic hormone, which leads to water retention and dilution of sodium in the blood.