Which hormone controls water and mineral metabolism ?

Options

A. Insulin
B. Progesterone
C. Glucagon
D. Deoxycorticosterone.

Answer

To determine which hormone controls water and mineral metabolism, we can analyze the given options one by one:

1. **Insulin**:
- Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
- Its primary function is to regulate glucose levels in the blood by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells, particularly in the liver (hepatocytes) and fat tissues (adipocytes).
- Insulin does not play a role in water and mineral metabolism.
- **Conclusion**: Insulin is not the correct answer.

2. **Progesterone**:
- Progesterone is a steroid hormone known as the pregnancy hormone.
- It is primarily involved in preparing the uterus for implantation of the embryo and maintaining pregnancy.
- It does not have a significant role in regulating water and mineral metabolism.
- **Conclusion**: Progesterone is not the correct answer.

3. **Glucagon**:
- Glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
- Its main function is to increase blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen to glucose) and gluconeogenesis (the synthesis of glucose).
- Glucagon does not influence water and mineral metabolism.
- **Conclusion**: Glucagon is not the correct answer.

4. **Deoxycorticosterone**:
- Deoxycorticosterone is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal gland.
- It has mineralocorticoid activity, which means it plays a crucial role in regulating water and electrolyte balance in the body.
- It stimulates water reabsorption from the renal tubules and helps maintain the balance of minerals (electrolytes) in the body.
- **Conclusion**: Deoxycorticosterone is the correct answer.

**Final Answer**: The hormone that controls water and mineral metabolism is **Deoxycorticosterone**.

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