Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Practice

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Dive into multiple choice questions, each with explanations and helpful hints. Enhance your knowledge and prepare for success in your exam!

Start Multiple Choice Practice Test
Start Flash Cards

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What role do mineralocorticoids play in the body?

  1. Decrease water absorption in the kidneys

  2. Regulate metabolic activity

  3. Increase water absorption in the kidneys

  4. Increase blood glucose levels

The correct answer is: Increase water absorption in the kidneys

Mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that play a crucial role in regulating electrolyte and fluid balance in the body. The primary function of these hormones is to enhance sodium retention in the kidneys, which subsequently increases water reabsorption. As sodium is reabsorbed, water follows osmotically, leading to an increase in blood volume and blood pressure. By fostering this mechanism of water absorption, mineralocorticoids help maintain fluid balance and effective blood circulation. Their role is not to decrease water absorption (as indicated in one option) or directly regulate metabolic activity (which is more aligned with glucocorticoids), nor do they primarily function to increase blood glucose levels, as that is typically a role played by glucocorticoids like cortisol. Thus, the increase in water absorption in the kidneys represents the essential and correct function of mineralocorticoids in the body.

More Questions Like This