Consuming a meal high in salt will most likely cause which of the following cellular responses?

• A. Trigger the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) to promote water reabsorption in the kidneys
• B. Decrease the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells
• C. Inhibit the production of aldosterone in the adrenal cortex
• D. Stimulate the breakdown of glycogen in liver cells

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the physiological effect of consuming a meal high in salt. A high salt intake increases the concentration of sodium ions (Na⁺) in the blood, leading to an increase in blood osmolarity (the concentration of solutes in the blood). This triggers the body to restore osmotic balance.
2. Step 2: Recognize the role of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is released by the posterior pituitary gland in response to increased blood osmolarity. Its primary function is to promote water reabsorption in the kidneys, which helps dilute the excess sodium and restore osmotic balance.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the other options. Decreased insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells is not directly related to salt intake but is more associated with blood glucose regulation. Similarly, the inhibition of aldosterone production is unlikely, as aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium balance. Glycogen breakdown in the liver is related to energy needs, not salt balance.
4. Step 4: Connect the physiological response to the correct answer. The release of ADH is the most relevant response to high salt intake, as it directly addresses the need to reabsorb water and reduce blood osmolarity.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'Trigger the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) to promote water reabsorption in the kidneys,' as this aligns with the body's mechanism for maintaining osmotic balance after consuming a high-salt meal.