thirst

Introduction

A desire to drink.

Etiology

• dehydration

Physiology

• the area of the brain that regulates thirst is located in the anterior part of the hypothalamus
• the anterior hypothalamus is in close proximity to osmoreceptors which regulate the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
• ADH secretion is one of the primary mechanisms by which sodium & osmolar homeostasis are regulated
• thirst is triggered by increases in plasma osmolality which stimulates ADH secretion

Clinical manifestations

• dry mouth
• dry throat

More general terms

• sign/symptom

Additional terms

• age-associated changes in thirst
• dehydration
• impaired thirst; hypothalamic adipsia
• xerostomia (asialism, aptyalism, dry mouth, hyposalivation)