Osmoreceptors appear to
A) increase their rate of firing when placed in a hypertonic solution and decrease their rate of firing when placed in a hypotonic solution.
B) increase their rate of firing when placed in a hypotonic solution and decrease their rate of firing when placed in a hypertonic solution.
C) increase their rate of firing when blood pressure drops.
D) decrease their rate of firing when blood pressure drops.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Osmoreceptors are sensitive to the osmolarity of the surrounding fluid. In a hypertonic solution, where the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell, water moves out of the osmoreceptors, causing them to shrink and increase their firing rate. Conversely, in a hypotonic solution, where the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell, water moves into the osmoreceptors, causing them to swell and decrease their firing rate.

Osmoreceptors Appear to