What establishes the medullary vertical osmotic gradient by means of countercurrent multiplication
A)loops of Henle of juxtamedullary nephrons
B)loops of Henle of cortical nephrons
C)vasa recta of juxtamedullary nephrons
D)vasa recta of cortical nephrons

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The loops of Henle of juxtamedullary nephrons establish the medullary vertical osmotic gradient through countercurrent multiplication. This process involves the active transport of Na+ and Cl- out of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, while water is passively reabsorbed in the descending limb. This sets up a concentration gradient in the interstitial fluid of the medulla, which is maintained by the vasa recta of juxtamedullary nephrons. The vasa recta help to maintain the osmotic gradient by exchanging water and solutes with the interstitial fluid without disrupting the gradient.

What Establishes the Medullary Vertical Osmotic Gradient by Means of Countercurrent