10 Questions
What type of thirst occurs when there is a reduction in blood volume?
Hypovolemic thirst
What is the role of vasopressin in regulating fluid balance?
To retain water in the kidneys during mild dehydration
Which neurons in the brain detect increased osmolality of extracellular fluid?
Osmosensory neurons
What is the primary goal of osmotic thirst and hypovolemic thirst?
To regulate fluid balance in the body
What is the role of aldosterone in regulating fluid balance?
To retain sodium in the kidneys, leading to water retention
What is the primary factor that influences the amount of aldosterone in the body?
Amount of sodium ingested from the environment
Adrenalectomized rats can survive and function normally if given what?
Salt licks
What is the primary reason why eating behavior is difficult to study?
Many hormones have the same function and can compensate for each other
During a well-fed state, what is the primary source of energy for the brain?
Glucose directly powering the brain
Which hormone is involved in decreasing eating behavior and aids in digestion?
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
Study Notes
Osmotic Thirst
- Osmotic thirst occurs when there are too many salts in the extracellular fluid, causing cells to become dehydrated and stimulating the person to drink.
- This type of thirst is often triggered by eating salty food.
- Urine output is suppressed in osmotic thirst.
Hypovolemic Thirst
- Hypovolemic thirst results from a reduction in blood volume, which can be caused by heavy bleeding, perspiration, or diarrhea.
- This type of thirst requires both water and salts/electrolytes to be replenished, as water alone can worsen the condition.
- Athletes often drink Gatorade-type drinks to replenish electrolytes and fluids.
Osmosensory Neurons and Baroreceptors
- Osmosensory neurons in the brain detect increased osmolality of extracellular fluid, triggering osmotic thirst.
- Baroreceptors in major blood vessels detect pressure drops from fluid loss, triggering hypovolemic thirst.
Hormones Regulating Fluid Balance
- Vasopressin/ADH: released from the posterior pituitary to retain water in kidneys during mild dehydration, and causes vasoconstriction during hypovolemic thirst to maintain blood pressure.
- Aldosterone: released from the adrenal cortex, causes the kidney to retain sodium, which leads to water retention.
Environment and Hormone Interaction
- The amount of aldosterone varies according to sodium intake from the environment, with more aldosterone produced in sodium-poor environments and less in sodium-rich environments.
- Behavior can interact with hormones to achieve fluid homeostasis, such as adrenalectomized rats surviving with salt licks and tolerating saltier water.
Energy Homeostasis
- Eating behavior is more complicated than reproduction due to multiple hormones with similar functions and indirect effects.
- Metabolism when well-fed: food is broken down in the gut, insulin is released, and glucose is used or stored.
- Metabolism when fasting: glucagon is released, glycogen is converted into glucose, and glucose powers the brain, with muscles relying on alternate fuels.
Hormones Involved in Eating Behavior
- Hormones that promote food intake: Neuropeptide Y, Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP), Ghrelin, Endorphins.
- Hormones that reduce food intake: Melanocortins/POMC, CART, Cholecystokinin (CCK), Bombestin, CRH.
Hypothalamic Response
- During the well-fed state: satiety signals are transmitted, and the hypothalamus is less active.
- During reduced food intake: the hypothalamus is more active, stimulating hunger and food intake.
Learn about the two types of thirst, osmotic and hypovolemic, their causes and effects on the body. Understand why drinking water alone may not be enough to quench thirst in certain cases.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
