Final answer:
The release of atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) from the heart leads to the excretion of sodium ions and a decrease in extracellular fluid volume (ECF). ANP acts by inhibiting hormones that promote water retention, thereby reducing blood pressure. The correct answer is 'e. both B and C'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The release of atrial natriuretic peptides from the heart will cause the body to excrete sodium ions. The heart has specialized endocrine cells in the atria that produce the hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in response to increased blood volume. ANP functions to reduce the reabsorption of sodium ions by the kidneys, which leads to the excretion of both sodium and water in the urine. Consequently, this reduces the extracellular fluid volume (ECF) and blood pressure while also lowering sodium (Na+) concentration in the blood.ANP reduces the volume of circulating blood, effectively decreasing blood pressure. It achieves these effects by acting as a vasodilator and inhibiting the actions of hormones such as renin, aldosterone, and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that would otherwise promote water retention.Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is 'e. both B and C', which means that ANP causes the body to decrease ECF and excrete sodium ions.