Question

What is the other name of vasopressin?
(a) ADH
(b) ACTH
(c) LH
(d) FSH

Answer 1

Hint: Vasopressin is a hormone released from the posterior pituitary along with oxytocin. These two hormones are actually made by the hypothalamus which then sends it to the pituitary gland from where these are released into the body.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Vasopressin hormone acts on the kidney and stimulates the reabsorption of water and electrolytes by the distal tubules. This in turn results in the reduction of water loss from the body through urine (diuresis) . Diuresis means the formation of urine, this hormone causes less urine to be released hence the name anti-diuretic.
So, the correct option is ‘ADH’.

Additional information: Let us learn about the pituitary gland which secretes the hormone vasopressin.
- The pituitary gland controls the functioning of all the organs in the body and hence is known as the master gland.
- The pituitary gland is divided anatomically into 2 parts known as anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis).
- The anterior pituitary is divided into pars distalis and pars intermedia and releases various hormones. It is controlled by the hormones of the hypothalamus. Since the hypothalamus controls the master gland with its hormones, it is known as the master of the master gland.
- The posterior pituitary stores and releases the hypothalamic hormones oxytocin and vasopressin where they have transported from the hypothalamus to the pituitary axonally (through neurons).

Note:
- If due to some reason there is an inadequate release of ADH, it will diminish the ability of the kidney to conserve water during urine formation. This condition will lead to water loss and dehydration and is known as Diabetes Insipidus.
- Oxytocin acts on the smooth muscles of our body and stimulates their contraction.
- Oxytocin is also responsible for the vigorous contraction of the uterus at the time of childbirth and milk ejection from the mammary glands.