alleryStart learning →Which receptors monitor the solute concentration of the blood and start the thirst response?
ABaroreceptors in the aortic arch
BOsmoreceptors in the hypothalamus
CChemoreceptors in the medulla
DStretch receptors in the atria
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus
1. Water lost as sweat, exhaled air or urine is drawn ultimately from blood plasma.
2. As plasma concentrates, its osmolality rises above the ideal value.
3. Osmoreceptors in the thirst center of the hypothalamus read that rise.
4. The hypothalamus then signals a conscious awareness of thirst.
5. Baroreceptors read blood pressure rather than solute concentration, so they answer a different question.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 26 "Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance", section Regulation of Water Intake_
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