How is water reabsorption carried out in the kidney?

When water levels are low in the blood, osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus detect this change and trigger the posterior pituitary gland to release a hormone called ADH. ADH binds to receptors on the cell membrane of the collecting ducts which then triggers the formation of cyclic AMP (a secondary messenger). The cyclic AMP causes vesicles containing aquaporins (protein based water channels) to bind to the cell surface membrane, increasing its permeability and allowing water to move out of the tubule cells by osmosis.

JP
Answered by Jenna P. Biology tutor

3443 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the effect of an increase in muscular activity on the heart rate.


Discuss how cholesterol is transported in the body, and describe these transport molecules.


What are the main differences between Mitosis and Meiosis?


Explain the process of synaptic transmission.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning