Explain the role of the vasa recta in maintaining the medullary interstitial concentration gradient

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Explain the role of the vasa recta in maintaining the medullaryinterstitial concentration gradient

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Vasa Recta Function The ability of the vasa recta to maintain the medullary interstitial gradient is flow dependent A substantial increase in vasa recta blood flow dissipates the medullary gradient Alternatively decreased blood flow reduces oxygen delivery to the nephron segments within the medulla What is countercurrent multiplication Your kidneys have a remarkable mechanism for reabsorbing water from the tubular fluid called countercurrent multiplication Countercurrent multiplication in the kidneys is the process of using energy to generate an osmotic gradient that enables you to reabsorb water from the tubular fluid and produce concentrated urine This mechanism prevents you from producing litres and litres of dilute urine every day and is the reason why you dont need to be continually drinking in order to stay hydrated Where does it happen The kidneys contain two types of nephrons superficial cortical nephrons 7080 and juxtamedullary nephrons 2030 These names refer to the location of the glomerular capsule which is either See Answer

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