How Do You Spell HENLE'S SHEATH?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛnə͡lz ʃˈiːθ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Henle's sheath" can be easily explained through its phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /ˈhɛnləz ʃiθ/, where the apostrophe indicates a possessive form, and the "h" in "Henle" is silent. The term refers to the layer of cells that surrounds nerve fibers, named after the German anatomist Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle. Proper spelling is crucial in medical terminology to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication between healthcare professionals.

HENLE'S SHEATH Meaning and Definition

  1. Henle's sheath, also known as the Henle's loop or the nephron loop, refers to a crucial anatomical structure found within the kidney's functional unit, the nephron. Named after the German physician Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle, Henle's sheath plays a vital role in the process of urine formation and regulation of water balance in the body.

    Henle's sheath is a U-shaped tubular segment that is situated between the proximal and distal convoluted tubules within the renal cortex and medulla. Its primary function is to facilitate the reabsorption of water and electrolytes, particularly sodium chloride (NaCl). It accomplishes this by having a descending limb and an ascending limb, each of which possesses unique physiological characteristics.

    The descending limb of Henle's sheath is permeable to water but relatively impermeable to electrolytes. Consequently, as the filtrate passes through this segment, water is reabsorbed through osmosis into the surrounding interstitial fluid, which aids in concentrating the urine and conserving water in the body.

    On the other hand, the ascending limb of Henle's sheath is relatively impermeable to water but actively transports sodium and chloride ions out of the tubule into the interstitial fluid. This active transport process results in the establishment of a concentration gradient, which further contributes to the reabsorption of water in the collecting ducts later in the nephron.

    Overall, Henle's sheath plays a critical role in regulating water balance in the body by contributing to the concentration and dilution of urine. Dysfunction or damage to this structure can lead to various disorders such as renal impairment and electrolyte imbalances.

Common Misspellings for HENLE'S SHEATH

  • Henle sheath
  • Henles sheath

Etymology of HENLE'S SHEATH

The term "Henle's sheath" originates from the name of its discoverer, Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle. Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle was a German physician and anatomist who lived from 1809 to 1885. He made significant contributions to the field of anatomy and histology, including his description and understanding of the structure now known as Henle's sheath. This structure refers to the outermost layer of nerve fibers found within the peripheral nervous system. Due to Henle's observations and descriptions, this layer was named Henle's sheath in his honor.