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

The Nephron

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

The Nephron

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of the loop of Henle in the nephron?

To filter blood and form initial urine

To regulate blood pressure by releasing renin

To secrete waste products into the urine

To concentrate urine by reabsorbing water and salts

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of the nephron: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, and it consists of several parts, including the glomerulus, proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, and collecting duct.

Identify the location and structure of the loop of Henle: The loop of Henle is a U-shaped tube that extends into the medulla of the kidney. It consists of a descending limb and an ascending limb.

Recognize the role of the descending limb: The descending limb of the loop of Henle is permeable to water but not to salts. As the filtrate moves down this limb, water is reabsorbed into the surrounding medullary interstitium, concentrating the filtrate.

Understand the function of the ascending limb: The ascending limb is impermeable to water but actively transports salts (Na+, Cl-) out of the filtrate into the medullary interstitium. This process helps to create a high osmolarity in the medulla, which is crucial for water reabsorption in the collecting duct.

Conclude the primary function: The loop of Henle's main function is to create a concentration gradient in the medulla, which allows the kidney to produce urine that is more concentrated than the blood, thus conserving water and concentrating urine.