SHEATH OF HENLE Meaning and
Definition
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The sheath of Henle, also known as Henle's sheath or loop of Henle, is a tubular anatomical structure found in the renal medulla, part of the kidney. It is a critical component of the nephron, which is the functional unit responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing useful substances, and excreting waste products in the form of urine.
The sheath of Henle refers specifically to the segment of the nephron that is between the proximal tubule and the distal convoluted tubule. It consists of a descending limb and an ascending limb, which are both composed of highly specialized cells. The descending limb is permeable to water but not to ions, while the ascending limb is impermeable to water but allows ion movement.
The key function of the sheath of Henle is to establish and maintain the osmotic gradient in the kidney medulla. This gradient is essential for the process of urine concentration. As fluid flows through the descending and ascending limbs, it undergoes osmotic changes due to the varying permeability of the tubular walls. This helps in reabsorbing water and concentrating the urine.
The sheath of Henle enables the kidneys to conserve water and maintain homeostasis. It plays a crucial role in regulating the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. The length and thickness of the sheath of Henle vary among species, allowing for adaptation to different environments and water conservation needs.
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