Which functions are regulated by hormones produced in the posterior pituitary gland?

Which functions are regulated by hormones produced in the posterior pituitary gland?

• A. Metabolic rate and nutrient absorption
• B. Blood calcium concentration
• C. Water resorption and smooth muscle contraction
• D. Temperature regulation

Answer: (C)

Two hormones are released by the posterior pituitary, and each acts in different but complementary ways: antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. ADH increases water reabsorption in the kidneys by making the collecting ducts more permeable to water, helping control body water balance and urine concentration. Oxytocin stimulates contraction of smooth muscle in the uterus during labor and promotes milk ejection by triggering contraction of myoepithelial cells in the mammary glands. Together, these hormonal actions reflect regulation of water resorption and smooth muscle contraction, which is exactly what the question is asking about. Metabolic rate, calcium balance, and temperature regulation involve other hormones and systems, not these posterior pituitary hormones.

Two hormones are released by the posterior pituitary, and each acts in different but complementary ways: antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. ADH increases water reabsorption in the kidneys by making the collecting ducts more permeable to water, helping control body water balance and urine concentration. Oxytocin stimulates contraction of smooth muscle in the uterus during labor and promotes milk ejection by triggering contraction of myoepithelial cells in the mammary glands. Together, these hormonal actions reflect regulation of water resorption and smooth muscle contraction, which is exactly what the question is asking about. Metabolic rate, calcium balance, and temperature regulation involve other hormones and systems, not these posterior pituitary hormones.