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: Overview

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology: Overview

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Multiple Choice

The thick ascending limb of the nephron loop is mostly permeable to:

Urea

Water

Sodium and chloride ions

Glucose

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the structure and function of the nephron loop (loop of Henle). The nephron loop is divided into the descending limb and the ascending limb, each with distinct permeability characteristics.

Step 2: Recall that the thick ascending limb of the nephron loop is impermeable to water. This is a key feature that differentiates it from the descending limb, which is permeable to water.

Step 3: Note that the thick ascending limb actively transports sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions out of the tubular fluid into the surrounding interstitial fluid. This process is essential for creating the concentration gradient in the kidney.

Step 4: Recognize that the thick ascending limb is not permeable to urea or glucose. These substances are handled differently in other parts of the nephron, such as the proximal tubule for glucose reabsorption.

Step 5: Conclude that the primary function of the thick ascending limb is to reabsorb sodium and chloride ions, contributing to the countercurrent multiplication mechanism that concentrates urine.