Urinary System

Urine and Its Formation

What is the antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?

The antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is one of the major hormones controlling fluid balance by inhibiting diuresis or urine output. ADH is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. For example, when a person is dehydrated, the level of ADH secretion increases so that more water is reabsorbed from the urine and returned to the blood. Conversely, a diuretic such as alcohol inhibits the release of ADH and thus increases urinary output.

