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Multiple Choice
As filtrate moves down the descending limb of the nephron loop, which of the following occurs?
A
The filtrate becomes more dilute.
B
Water is reabsorbed into the medullary interstitium.
C
Glucose is secreted into the filtrate.
D
Sodium ions are actively transported out of the filtrate.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy of the nephron loop (loop of Henle). The descending limb is permeable to water but not to solutes like sodium or glucose. This is a key feature of its function.
Recognize the osmotic gradient in the medullary interstitium. The interstitial fluid in the medulla has a high concentration of solutes, creating a gradient that drives water reabsorption from the filtrate.
As filtrate moves down the descending limb, water is reabsorbed into the medullary interstitium due to osmosis. This process increases the concentration of solutes in the filtrate, making it more concentrated.
Note that glucose is not secreted into the filtrate in the descending limb. Glucose reabsorption primarily occurs in the proximal tubule, not the nephron loop.
Understand that sodium ions are not actively transported out of the filtrate in the descending limb. Active transport of sodium occurs in the ascending limb, which is impermeable to water.