Which hormone does the heart produce and what is its function?
Which hormone does the heart produce and what is its function?
The heart is the main organ of the cardiovascular system, whose primary function is the circulation of blood throughout the body cells. It also produces two hormones belonging to the natriuretic peptide family; these are the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) hormone produced by the atrial chambers and the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) hormone produced by the ventricular chambers. The function of ANP is to reduce blood pressure and regulate the homeostasis of electrolytes. The BNP hormone functions to enhance natriuresis, dilation of the blood vessels of the systemic and pulmonary circuit, diuresis; it also reduces the levels of endothelin molecules and aldosterone hormone in circulation.
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