What is the role of ADH in the human body?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, plays a crucial role in the regulation of urine volume. It is produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. When the body is dehydrated or when blood osmolarity increases, ADH is released into the bloodstream. This hormone acts primarily on the kidneys, specifically the collecting ducts, increasing their permeability to water. As a result, more water is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, leading to a concentrated urine output and a decrease in urine volume.

The function of ADH helps maintain the body’s fluid balance and blood pressure. When ADH levels are insufficient, the kidneys do not reabsorb as much water, resulting in a larger volume of dilute urine, which can lead to dehydration and affect overall homeostasis.

In contrast, the other options involve different physiological processes. Regulating blood glucose is primarily managed by hormones like insulin and glucagon, while digestion is stimulated by various hormones, such as gastrin and secretin. Promoting bone growth is largely influenced by growth hormone and calcitonin, rather than ADH. Thus, the specific and identifiable role of ADH is in controlling urine volume, making it the correct