The process of exchange between vasa recta and the loop of Henle
has the name countercurrent...
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The process of exchange between vasa recta and the loop of Henlehas the name countercurrent exchange. What can we conclude fromthat name about their flow, by analogy with animal respirationterminology?
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Counter current mechanismFirst assume that the loop of Henle is filled with fluid with aconcentration of 300 mOsmL the same as that leaving the proximaltubule step 1Next the active ion pump of the thick ascending limb on theloop of Henle reduces the concentration inside the tubule andraises the interstitial concentration this pump establishes a200mOsmL concentration gradient between the tubular fluid and theinterstitial fluid step 2The limit to the gradient is about 200 mOsmL becauseparacellular diffusion of ions back into the tubule eventuallycounterbalances transport of ions out of the lumen when the200mOsmL concentration gradient is achieved Step 3 is that thetubular fluid in the descending limb of the loop of Henle and theinterstitial fluid quickly reach osmotic equilibrium because ofosmosis of water out
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