Osmoreceptors change their firing rate in response to
A) the angiotensin concentration in blood.
B) the concentration of renin within the blood.
C) movement of water out of the osmoreceptor as the interstitial fluid becomes hypertonic.
D) reduced osmotic pressure within the blood plasma.
E) increased blood plasma volume.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Osmoreceptors are specialized neurons that sense changes in the osmotic pressure or water content of the extracellular fluid surrounding them. When interstitial fluid becomes hypertonic due to water being moved out of the osmoreceptor, the cell membrane shrinks, and ion channels open, leading to depolarization of the membrane triggering an action potential. This change in membrane potential leads to altered firing rates that ultimately help to regulate water homeostasis in the body.

Osmoreceptors Change Their Firing Rate in Response to