What does the countercurrent mechanism accomplish in the nephron loop?
A)secretion of water and electrolytes into the filtrate
B)production of very dilute urine
C)constriction of the arterioles to increase blood pressure
D)creation of a steep concentration gradient for continued water reabsorption

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The countercurrent mechanism in the nephron loop creates a steep concentration gradient by allowing water to passively diffuse out of the descending limb of the loop of Henle and actively transport ions (such as Na+ and Cl-) out of the ascending limb. This concentration gradient helps to continue the reabsorption of water in the collecting ducts, ultimately leading to the production of concentrated urine.

What Does the Countercurrent Mechanism Accomplish in the Nephron Loop