Final answer:
The hormones oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) are produced by neurons in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland. ADH helps regulate water reabsorption in the kidneys, which influences body hydration and urine concentration. Alcohol consumption can inhibit ADH release, leading to dehydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Source and Site Production of OT and ADH
The hormones oxytocin (OT) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, are produced by neurons in the hypothalamus. They are transported within axons along the infundibulum to the posterior pituitary gland, where they are stored and later released into the bloodstream. The posterior pituitary does not produce these hormones but serves as the site for their secretion into the circulatory system. The main role of ADH is to regulate water reabsorption in the kidneys, helping to control the water balance of the body and urine concentration. This hormone can be directly influenced by various factors, including alcohol consumption, which inhibits ADH release and can lead to dehydration, as seen in cases of hangover.
Additionally, health conditions such as diabetes insipidus involve chronic underproduction of ADH, leading to significant dehydration due to the kidneys' reduced capacity to reabsorb water. Conversely, when the blood is highly concentrated, osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus trigger the release of ADH. This results in the kidneys reabsorbing more water, consequently diluting the blood plasma and restoring normal osmotic balance.