Final answer:
Aldosterone is the hormone that controls the reabsorption of salt and water in the distal convoluted tubule, aiding in blood pressure regulation and fluid balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone that controls the reabsorption of salt and water in the distal convoluted tubule is aldosterone. Aldosterone, which is released from the adrenal cortex, stimulates the cells in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and the collecting ducts to reabsorb more sodium (Na+), which in turn promotes water reabsorption due to osmotic gradients. This action helps in regulating blood pressure and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
While antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or vasopressin, plays a crucial role in the reabsorption of water by making the collecting ducts permeable to water, aldosterone directly acts on the DCT to enhance Na+ reabsorption. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is instrumental in the release of aldosterone, leading to the reabsorption of Na+ and subsequent water reabsorption, thus increasing blood volume and pressure.
The intricate balance of these hormones is critical for the renal regulation of body fluids. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone, alongside the renin-angiotensin system, work in concert to ensure the body conserves water and maintains homeostasis regarding fluid and electrolyte balance.