LOOP OF HENLE Meaning and
Definition
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The Loop of Henle is a crucial structure found in the nephrons of the kidneys, responsible for the concentration and reabsorption of water and electrolytes. Named after the German physician Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle, this loop is a U-shaped portion of the renal tubule that connects the proximal convoluted tubule with the distal convoluted tubule.
The loop consists of two distinct regions: the descending limb and the ascending limb. The descending limb starts from the renal cortex and descends into the renal medulla, while the ascending limb returns to the renal cortex. This anatomical arrangement is crucial for one of the main functions of the Loop of Henle: the generation of an osmotic gradient.
During its course, the Loop of Henle actively transports sodium, chloride ions, and other solutes out of the tubular fluid in the thick ascending limb. This creates a high osmolality environment in the surrounding interstitial fluid. As the tubular fluid descends into the thin descending limb, it becomes reabsorbed by passive diffusion, allowing water to be reabsorbed and concentrate the solutes.
The complex action of the Loop of Henle enables the kidneys to regulate the concentration of urine by reabsorbing water and necessary electrolytes. This mechanism plays a vital role in maintaining proper water balance and blood pressure. Furthermore, it allows the kidneys to conserve water during dehydration and excrete excess fluids during hydration, contributing to maintaining homeostasis within the body.
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