Loop of Henle
The Loop of Henle is a crucial segment of the nephron, located in the kidneys. It plays a vital role in the reabsorption of water and salts, critical to maintaining the body's fluid balance and electrolyte levels.
Anatomy and Structure
The Loop of Henle extends from the proximal convoluted tubule into the renal medulla and back towards the distal convoluted tubule. It consists of a descending limb, which carries fluid deep into the medulla, and an ascending limb, which returns fluid towards the cortex.
Function and Mechanism
The primary function of the Loop of Henle is to concentrate urine and conserve water. This is achieved through a counter-current multiplier mechanism, where the descending limb allows water to exit and the ascending limb pumps out salts (ions).
Role in Concentrating Urine
The unique structure of the Loop of Henle, with its differing permeabilities in the ascending and descending limbs, facilitates the production of concentrated urine. This ability is essential for the body to maintain fluid homeostasis, especially in conditions of water deprivation.
Clinical Significance
- Disorders and Diseases Malfunctions or damage to the Loop of Henle can lead to various kidney disorders, affecting the body's ability to concentrate urine and regulate electrolyte balance.
- Diagnostic and Research Applications
Understanding the function of the Loop of Henle is crucial in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases. It is a focus area in nephrology research, especially in the context of developing treatments for kidney-related conditions.
Kidney Function and Health
The Loop of Henle's efficient operation is essential for overall kidney function, which in turn plays a critical role in maintaining the body's overall health and well-being.
See Also
References
External Links
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| Urinary system - Kidney - edit |
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| Renal capsule | Renal cortex | Renal medulla (Renal sinus, Renal pyramids) | Renal calyx | Renal pelvis |
| Nephron - Renal corpuscle (Glomerulus, Bowman's capsule) → Proximal tubule → Loop of Henle → Distal convoluted tubule → Collecting ducts
Juxtaglomerular apparatus (Macula densa, Juxtaglomerular cells) Renal circulation - Renal artery → Interlobar arteries → Arcuate arteries → Cortical radial arteries → Afferent arterioles → Glomerulus → Efferent arterioles → Vasa recta → Arcuate vein → Renal vein |
| Renal physiology |
| Filtration - Ultrafiltration | Countercurrent exchange
Hormones effecting filtration - Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) | Aldosterone | Atrial natriuretic peptide Endocrine - Renin | Erythropoietin (EPO) | Calcitriol (Active vitamin D) | Prostaglandins |
| Assessing Renal function / Measures of Dialysis |
| Glomerular filtration rate | Creatinine clearance | Renal clearance ratio | Urea reduction ratio | Kt/V | Standardized Kt/V | Hemodialysis product |
| Physiology of the kidneys and acid–base physiology | ||||||||||||||
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