Adh (Antidiuretic Hormone) - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

Last updated

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in regulating water balance in the body. In the context of GCSE Biology, ADH helps to control the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys. When your body is dehydrated, ADH is released, causing the kidneys to reabsorb more water and produce more concentrated urine. When the body is well hydrated, less ADH is released, allowing the kidneys to produce more diluted urine. This hormone is essential for maintaining homeostasis, ensuring that the body’s fluid levels remain stable.

Examiner-written GCSE Biology revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
GCSE Biology revision resources

Share this article

Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now