What is the loop of Henle?

1 Answer
Kate M. · Paul Andrew S.
Aug 25, 2016

A structure within your kidney.

Explanation:

After your Bowman's capsule has removed material from your blood, a lot of which you still need, this fluid travels down the loop of Henle where salts, sugars and other substances are reabsorbed.

http://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Loop-of-Henle.aspx

The descending portion of the loop of Henle is permeable to water but not salts, increasing the osmotic gradient and creating a concentrated filtrate. The ascending portion is impermeable to water and Na #Na^+# and #Cl^-# are pumped out. This maintains the gradient. The filtrate is dilute in the ascending portion of the loop of Henle.

http://classes.midlandstech.edu/carterp/Courses/bio211/chap25/chap25.htm

The main function of the loop of Henle is to reabsorb water and sodium chloride.

This video explains the process in more detail:

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