Word parts
What it means
Made in the hypothalamushy-poh-THAL-uh-musA small area at the base of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and many hormones.hypo- belowthalamus inner chamber (a part of the brain)Full entry and released from the back of the pituitary glandpih-TOO-ih-tair-ee glandA gland the size of a pea, hanging below the brain, whose hormones control many other glands.Full entry when the blood becomes too concentrated or blood volume drops. It makes the kidney tubules take water back into the blood. It is also called vasopressin because at high levels it narrows blood vessels. Too little causes diabetes insipidusdy-uh-BEE-teez in-SIP-ih-dusA disorder of antidiuretic hormone: the body makes too little of it, or the kidneys do not respond to it.Full entry ; too much causes SIADH, with water retention and low sodium.
For the nurse
Alcohol blocks it, which is why drinking increases urine output. After brain surgery or head injury, watch urine output and sodium for signs that its release has changed.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ADH; SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | hormona antidiurética |
| Also written | ADH |
Related terms
hyponatremia
A blood sodium level below normal, under 135 mEq/L.
diabetes insipidus
A disorder of antidiuretic hormone: the body makes too little of it, or the kidneys do not respond to it.
hormone
A chemical messenger made by a gland or organ and carried in the blood to act on cells elsewhere in the body.
pituitary gland
A gland the size of a pea, hanging below the brain, whose hormones control many other glands.
vasopressin
A man-made form of antidiuretic hormone, given by IV mainly to raise blood pressure in shock.