Human Physiology Explain in detail the process that establishes and maintains the medullary osmotic gradient in the...

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Medical Sciences

Human Physiology
Explain in detail the process that establishes and maintains themedullary osmotic gradient in the kidneys. Then describe the effectthis osmotic gradient has on the water in the renal tubules.

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Ans Kidney has some unique mechanism called counter current mechanism which is responsible for the develop ment and maintenance of medullary gradient and hyper osmolarity of interstitial fluid in the inner medulla A countercurrent system is a system of Ushaped tubules tubes in which the flow of fluid is in opposite direction in two limbs of the Ushaped tubules Divisions of Countercurrent System Countercurrent system has two divisions 1 Countercurrent multiplier formed by loop of Henle 2 Countercurrent exchanger formed by vasa recta COUNTERCURRENT MULTIPLIER Loop of Henle Loop of Henle functions as countercurrent multiplier It is responsible for development of hyperosmolarity of medullary interstitial fluid and medullary gradient Role of Loop of Henle in Development of Medullary Gradient Loop of Henle of juxtamedullary nephrons plays a major role as countercurrent multiplier because loop of these nephrons is long and extends upto the deeper parts of medulla Main reason for the hyperosmolarity of medullary interstitial fluid is the active reabsorption of sodium chloride and other solutes from ascending limb of Henle loop into the medullary interstitium These solutes accumulate in the medullary interstitium and increase the osmolarity Now due to the concentration gradient the sodium and chlorine ions diffuse from medullary See Answer

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