Osmoreceptor
Osmoreceptor
Osmoreceptors (pronounced: os·mo·re·cep·tor, /ˌɒzməʊrɪˈsɛptər/) are specialized cells that detect changes in the osmotic pressure of bodily fluids. They are primarily located in the hypothalamus of the brain, specifically in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) and the subfornical organ (SFO).
Etymology
The term "osmoreceptor" is derived from the Greek words "osmo", meaning "push", and "receptor", which refers to a region of tissue that responds to a specific stimulus. Thus, an osmoreceptor "pushes" in response to changes in osmotic pressure.
Function
Osmoreceptors are responsible for maintaining the body's homeostasis by regulating the balance of water and electrolytes in the body. They achieve this by detecting changes in the osmotic pressure of the blood and other bodily fluids. When the osmotic pressure is too high, indicating dehydration, the osmoreceptors trigger thirst and the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the pituitary gland. This hormone promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys, helping to restore the body's fluid balance.
Related Terms
- Homeostasis: The state of steady internal conditions maintained by living things.
- Hypothalamus: A region of the brain responsible for the production of many of the body's essential hormones.
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): Also known as vasopressin, this hormone helps regulate water balance in the body.
- Pituitary gland: A small gland at the base of the brain that produces several important hormones.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Osmoreceptor
- Wikipedia's article - Osmoreceptor
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