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Name the two hormones (one secreted by the posterior pituitary and the other by the adrenal medulla) that affect kidney functions and explain the effect of each.

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Answer: Antidiuretic Hormone, Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Step-by-step explanation:

The two hormones that affect kidney functions are:

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH):

Secreted by the posterior pituitary gland.

ADH, also known as vasopressin, plays a crucial role in regulating water balance in the body.

When the body detects a decrease in blood volume or an increase in blood osmolarity (concentration of solutes), the hypothalamus signals the posterior pituitary to release ADH.

ADH acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption in the renal tubules, specifically in the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts.

As a result, more water is retained by the body, reducing the volume of urine produced and making the urine more concentrated. This helps to conserve water and maintain proper blood pressure and osmolarity.

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine (Adrenaline and Noradrenaline):

Secreted by the adrenal medulla, which is part of the adrenal glands located on top of each kidney.

Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) are part of the body's "fight or flight" response to stress or danger.

These hormones have various effects on the body, including the kidneys.

When epinephrine and norepinephrine are released, they can cause vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) in certain areas, including the renal blood vessels.

Vasoconstriction in the renal blood vessels reduces blood flow to the kidneys.

This reduced blood flow can decrease glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is the rate at which the kidneys filter blood to form urine.

The decrease in GFR can temporarily reduce urine production, allowing more blood to be directed to essential organs and muscles during times of stress or physical activity. This is part of the body's adaptive response to stress.

In summary, ADH released by the posterior pituitary helps regulate water balance and conserves water by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. Epinephrine and norepinephrine, released by the adrenal medulla, can affect kidney function indirectly by modulating blood flow to the kidneys during the body's stress response.

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