BRAINCAKECountercurrent Multiplier
At the top of the ascending loop of Henlé sodium and chloride ions are actively transported out of the Loop of Henlé into the interstitial tissue fluid. This creates a high salt concentration in the medulla. Sodium and chloride ions diffuse into the descending limb and water moves out of the descending limb by osmosis.
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Key terms in this lesson
- loop of Henle
- The region of a nephron between the proximal and distal convoluted tubules that creates a concentration gradient in the medulla, enabling the reabsorption of water.
More in Homeostasis
- Bowman's Capsule
- Glomerulus
- Proximal Convoluted Tubule
- Loop of Henlé
- Ultrafiltration, Selective Reabsorption and Osmoregulation.
- Distal Tubule and Collecting Duct
- ADH
- Kidney failure
All 33 lessons in Homeostasis · All AQA A-level Biology topics