Exchange Surfaces Practice Test

Low levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, result in a number of physiological changes, one of which is an increased loss of water from the body. When ADH levels are low, the kidneys do not reabsorb as much water during urine formation, leading to more dilute urine and increased urination. This means that the body can lose more fluid than it should, which can ultimately lead to dehydration.

Dehydration occurs because the body's fluids are becoming depleted as more water is being excreted rather than retained. When ADH is adequately present, it helps the body to manage water balance effectively, promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys and preventing excessive loss. In conditions where ADH levels are low, the opposite effect takes place, leading to the consequence of dehydration.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing the role of ADH in fluid balance and the potential for dehydration when its levels are insufficient.