The slightest alteration in water homeostasis can have a profound effect on cell size and function. Different cells depending on their role and space restriction, have varying capacity to accommodate such osmolar stress. Certain specialized neurons present in both the brain as well as the peripheral nervous system called osmoreceptors can modulate this change within the permissible range of 280 to 295 mOsm/kg. These receptors function by titrating the thirst of an individual as well as regulating the arginine vasopressin (AVP) release from the posterior pituitary.
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