Page 100 - Consciousness in the Cell

CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE CELL
If there were no pituitary hormone, or if kidney cells weren't
able to understand and obey its command to retain water, we
would need to drink between 15 and 20 liters of water a day in
order not to die of thirst. And because we'd need to void this
water continually, we wouldn't be able to sleep or stay in one spot
for any length of time.
As we've seen, all parts of the system that balances our body's
water level cooperate with the brain. Cells in the aorta notify the
brain of the lack of water. Immediately realizing the consequences
of this message, the brain then releases a signal that goes to the
kidneys, the relevant organs out of all the others in the body, and
tells them what to do.

receptor cells
in the hypo-
thalamus

Information
obtained from the
baroreceptors in the
heart is taken to the
hypothalamus. The hypothala-
mus commands
Once enough water the salivary
Adrenal glands pro- has been taken in, the glands to stop
duce hormones that message is sent from the production, and
activate the region tongue and stomach that as a result, the
of thirst in the brain. reserves are now full. mouth goes dry.
adrenal
gland

heart

kidney stomach
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