This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Water Regulation for GCSE Biology. Topic 7: Water Regulation It is section 8 of 12 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Memory Aids
ADH = "Anti-Dilute Hormone": When you are dehydrated (blood is too concentrated), ADH stops your urine from being dilute. More ADH = more concentrated urine = less water lost. If you remember "anti-dilute" rather than "antidiuretic," you will never confuse the direction of ADH action.
The ADH feedback loop — "DRIED":
- Dehydration detected by osmoreceptors
- Released from pituitary gland into blood
- Increases permeability of collecting duct
- Extra water reabsorbed into blood
- Dark concentrated urine produced
Nephron processes — "FRE": Filtration → Reabsorption → Excretion. Three letters, three stages, in order. All glomerular filtrate starts at F; useful stuff returns at R; waste leaves at E.
Practice questions for Water Regulation
Where does the filtration of blood take place in the kidney?
Describe the process of selective reabsorption in the kidney and explain why it is important.