Question

What is meant by the term osmoregulation?

Answer 1

1. Kidneys continuously remove harmful substances from the body in the form of urine. Apart from this, the tissues also control the amount of salt and water in the liquid.
2. When the amount of water in the body increases, that is, when the osmolality of the body fluid decreases, urine becomes thin (diluted) and its quantity increases.
3. When there is a lack of water in the body, that is, when the osmolality of body tissue fluid increases, urine becomes thicker and its quantity reduces.
4. The amount of urine is mainly controlled by aldosterone and antidiuretics. Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of Na⁺, so that the appropriate amount of Na+ is maintained in the environment.
5. Antidiuretic or vasopressin, is the main regulator of urine dilution or concentration. Osmolality is controlled in the bodies of living beings through the process of osmotic regulation.