Tag: angiotensin-converting enzyme

The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS), also known as the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), is a critically important hormonal cascade that regulates blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte homeostasis. This diagram visually outlines the key components and sequential activation of the RAS, from the initial release of renin by the kidneys to the final actions of angiotensin II and aldosterone on the body. Understanding this system is fundamental to grasping the pathophysiology of hypertension and various kidney disorders.

The intricate balance of electrolytes and fluid volume within the body is critical for maintaining overall physiological function. Aldosterone, a powerful steroid hormone, plays a central role in this regulation. This diagram illustrates the aldosterone feedback loop, detailing how fluctuations in blood potassium and sodium levels trigger the release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex, subsequently acting on the kidneys to restore electrolyte and fluid homeostasis. Understanding this loop is fundamental to comprehending blood pressure control and electrolyte management.

The regulation of water balance in the human body is a finely tuned process, with the kidneys playing a central role. This diagram illustrates the critical function of aquaporins in the collecting tubules of the kidney, detailing how these specialized water channels facilitate the reabsorption of water from the filtrate back into the bloodstream. This mechanism is profoundly influenced by Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) and is essential for maintaining proper hydration and blood volume.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a crucial hormone with widespread effects on the body, primarily involved in maintaining fluid balance. Produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland, ADH plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure, conserving water, and even influencing certain social behaviors. This diagram provides a comprehensive overview of its synthesis, release, and diverse physiological actions.