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How does aldosterone alter the handling of sodium and potassium?
AIt increases sodium excretion and potassium retention
BIt increases the excretion of both of these ions
CIt increases potassium excretion and sodium retention
DIt increases the retention of both of these ions
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. It increases potassium excretion and sodium retention
1. Aldosterone is released in response to high blood potassium, low blood sodium, low blood pressure or low blood volume.
2. Its job is to correct all four, so it must move the two ions in opposite directions.
3. It increases excretion of potassium and retention of sodium.
4. Retained sodium holds water, so blood volume and blood pressure both rise.
5. Retaining both ions or excreting both would leave the potassium disturbance uncorrected.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 17 "The Endocrine System", section 17.6 The Adrenal Glands_
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