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Multiple Choice
Which type of nephron is primarily responsible for producing concentrated urine in the human kidney?
A
Collecting ducts
B
Cortical nephrons
C
Juxtamedullary nephrons
D
Renal corpuscles
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of nephrons in the kidney: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. There are two main types of nephrons: cortical nephrons and juxtamedullary nephrons.
Learn the difference between cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons: Cortical nephrons are located primarily in the outer cortex of the kidney and are involved in general filtration and urine production. Juxtamedullary nephrons, on the other hand, have longer loops of Henle that extend deep into the medulla, which is crucial for concentrating urine.
Understand the mechanism of urine concentration: The juxtamedullary nephrons create a concentration gradient in the medulla through the countercurrent multiplier system. This gradient allows water to be reabsorbed from the collecting ducts, concentrating the urine.
Recognize the role of the collecting ducts: While collecting ducts are involved in the final concentration of urine, they rely on the medullary gradient established by the juxtamedullary nephrons to reabsorb water effectively.
Conclude that juxtamedullary nephrons are primarily responsible for producing concentrated urine due to their long loops of Henle and their ability to establish the medullary concentration gradient.