The roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in controlling water balance

Receptors in the hypothalamus detect changes in the amount of water in the blood plasma. When there is too little water, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone called ADH. ADH increases the permeability of the kidney tubules so more water is reabsorbed into the blood plasma. When there is too much water, the pituitary gland secretes less ADH and less water is reabsorbed in the kidneys. Drinking alcohol causes less ADH to be produced, so urine becomes more dilute and this can cause dehydration.