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

Which region of the nephron loop is impermeable to water but permeable to salts?

Distal convoluted tubule

Descending limb of the loop of Henle

Ascending limb of the loop of Henle

Proximal convoluted tubule

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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 two main limbs: the descending limb and the ascending limb. Each limb has distinct permeability characteristics.

Step 2: Recall the permeability of the descending limb of the loop of Henle. This region is permeable to water but relatively impermeable to salts, allowing water to leave the filtrate and concentrate it.

Step 3: Recall the permeability of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This region is impermeable to water but permeable to salts, allowing salts (such as Na+ and Cl-) to be reabsorbed into the surrounding interstitial fluid.

Step 4: Compare the ascending limb's characteristics with the other nephron regions mentioned in the problem. The proximal convoluted tubule and distal convoluted tubule are involved in reabsorption and secretion but do not exhibit the specific impermeability to water and permeability to salts seen in the ascending limb.

Step 5: Conclude that the ascending limb of the loop of Henle is the correct answer based on its unique permeability properties, which are essential for the countercurrent multiplication mechanism in the kidney.