Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology: Regulation of Glomerular Filtration

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology: Regulation of Glomerular Filtration

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Multiple Choice

Increased water reabsorption in the descending limb of the nephron loop will result in which of the following?

Decreased water reabsorption in the collecting duct

A higher concentration of filtrate in the nephron loop

Increased sodium reabsorption in the descending limb

A lower concentration of filtrate in the nephron loop

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy and physiology of the nephron loop: The nephron loop (loop of Henle) consists of two limbs—descending and ascending. The descending limb is permeable to water but not to solutes, while the ascending limb is impermeable to water but actively transports sodium and chloride ions.

Analyze the function of the descending limb: Water reabsorption occurs in the descending limb due to the osmotic gradient in the renal medulla. As water leaves the filtrate, the concentration of solutes in the filtrate increases, resulting in a higher concentration of filtrate in the nephron loop.

Evaluate the options provided: Increased water reabsorption in the descending limb would not directly affect sodium reabsorption in the descending limb, as this limb is not involved in active solute transport. Similarly, it would not lead to decreased water reabsorption in the collecting duct, as water reabsorption in the collecting duct is regulated by antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and the osmotic gradient.

Focus on the correct answer: Increased water reabsorption in the descending limb leads to a higher concentration of filtrate in the nephron loop because water is removed, leaving solutes behind. This matches the correct answer provided in the problem.

Summarize the physiological mechanism: The descending limb's permeability to water and the osmotic gradient in the renal medulla are key factors in concentrating the filtrate. This process is essential for the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and maintain water balance in the body.