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

In which region of the nephron is a steep osmotic gradient created?

Proximal convoluted tubule

Distal convoluted tubule

Collecting duct

Loop of Henle

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the function of the nephron: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. It consists of several regions, each with specific roles in the process of urine formation.

Identify the role of the Loop of Henle: The Loop of Henle is a U-shaped structure in the nephron that plays a crucial role in concentrating urine and creating an osmotic gradient in the kidney's medulla.

Explain the osmotic gradient: The osmotic gradient is a difference in solute concentration across a membrane. In the kidney, this gradient is essential for water reabsorption and urine concentration.

Describe the mechanism in the Loop of Henle: The descending limb of the Loop of Henle is permeable to water but not to solutes, allowing water to leave the filtrate and enter the surrounding medulla, increasing the filtrate's osmolarity. The ascending limb is impermeable to water but actively transports solutes out, decreasing the filtrate's osmolarity and contributing to the osmotic gradient.

Conclude why the Loop of Henle is the correct answer: The Loop of Henle's unique structure and function create a steep osmotic gradient in the kidney's medulla, which is essential for the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and conserve water.