Angiotensin-converting enzyme turns angiotensin I into angiotensin II in which organ?
AIn the liver
BIn the heart
CIn the kidneys
DIn the lungs
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. In the lungs
1. Low blood volume or low blood pressure makes specialised kidney cells secrete renin.
2. Renin converts angiotensinogen, a blood protein made by the liver, into angiotensin I.
3. Angiotensin I is then converted in the lungs into angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme.
4. Angiotensin II constricts arterioles, drives renal reabsorption of salt and water, and signals the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone.
5. Drugs that block this enzyme are the ACE inhibitors used in hypertension.
6. The liver supplies the starting protein and the kidney supplies renin, so neither performs the second conversion, and the heart plays no part in it.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 17 "The Endocrine System", section 17.6 The Adrenal Glands_
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