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What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the nephron?
- a)To filter blood at the glomerulus
- b)To reabsorb glucose in the proximal tubule
- c)To concentrate urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medulla
- d)To transport urine from the kidney to the bladder
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the n...
The counter-current mechanism in the nephron primarily functions to concentrate urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medulla of the kidney. This gradient is established by the counter-current flow of fluids in the ascending and descending limbs of the loop of Henle, which facilitates the reabsorption of water and concentrates the urine.
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What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the n...
The counter-current mechanism in the nephron plays a crucial role in concentrating urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medulla.
- **Establishing Concentration Gradient**:
The primary function of the counter-current mechanism is to create a concentration gradient in the medulla of the kidney. This gradient allows for the reabsorption of water from the filtrate in the collecting duct, leading to the production of concentrated urine.
- **Loop of Henle**:
The loop of Henle, which is a part of the nephron, is responsible for establishing this concentration gradient. The descending limb of the loop of Henle is permeable to water but not solutes, allowing water to pass out of the tubule and into the surrounding interstitial fluid. In contrast, the ascending limb is impermeable to water but allows for the reabsorption of solutes such as sodium and chloride.
- **Counter-Current Exchange**:
The flow of fluid in opposite directions in the descending and ascending limbs of the loop of Henle is known as the counter-current exchange. This mechanism allows for the establishment of a concentration gradient in the medulla, with the interstitial fluid becoming increasingly concentrated towards the inner medulla.
- **Water Reabsorption**:
As the concentrated filtrate moves through the collecting duct, water is reabsorbed into the surrounding hypertonic interstitial fluid due to the osmotic gradient created by the counter-current mechanism. This process leads to the production of concentrated urine, which helps in maintaining water balance in the body.
In conclusion, the counter-current mechanism in the nephron is essential for concentrating urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medulla, which allows for the reabsorption of water and the production of concentrated urine.
- **Establishing Concentration Gradient**:
The primary function of the counter-current mechanism is to create a concentration gradient in the medulla of the kidney. This gradient allows for the reabsorption of water from the filtrate in the collecting duct, leading to the production of concentrated urine.
- **Loop of Henle**:
The loop of Henle, which is a part of the nephron, is responsible for establishing this concentration gradient. The descending limb of the loop of Henle is permeable to water but not solutes, allowing water to pass out of the tubule and into the surrounding interstitial fluid. In contrast, the ascending limb is impermeable to water but allows for the reabsorption of solutes such as sodium and chloride.
- **Counter-Current Exchange**:
The flow of fluid in opposite directions in the descending and ascending limbs of the loop of Henle is known as the counter-current exchange. This mechanism allows for the establishment of a concentration gradient in the medulla, with the interstitial fluid becoming increasingly concentrated towards the inner medulla.
- **Water Reabsorption**:
As the concentrated filtrate moves through the collecting duct, water is reabsorbed into the surrounding hypertonic interstitial fluid due to the osmotic gradient created by the counter-current mechanism. This process leads to the production of concentrated urine, which helps in maintaining water balance in the body.
In conclusion, the counter-current mechanism in the nephron is essential for concentrating urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medulla, which allows for the reabsorption of water and the production of concentrated urine.
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What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the n...
It establishes the concentrated urine
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What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the nephron?a)To filter blood at the glomerulusb)To reabsorb glucose in the proximal tubulec)To concentrate urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medullad)To transport urine from the kidney to the bladderCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for Class 10 2025 is part of Class 10 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 10 exam syllabus. Information about What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the nephron?a)To filter blood at the glomerulusb)To reabsorb glucose in the proximal tubulec)To concentrate urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medullad)To transport urine from the kidney to the bladderCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Class 10 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the nephron?a)To filter blood at the glomerulusb)To reabsorb glucose in the proximal tubulec)To concentrate urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medullad)To transport urine from the kidney to the bladderCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the nephron?a)To filter blood at the glomerulusb)To reabsorb glucose in the proximal tubulec)To concentrate urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medullad)To transport urine from the kidney to the bladderCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for Class 10 2025 is part of Class 10 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 10 exam syllabus. Information about What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the nephron?a)To filter blood at the glomerulusb)To reabsorb glucose in the proximal tubulec)To concentrate urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medullad)To transport urine from the kidney to the bladderCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Class 10 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the primary function of the counter-current mechanism in the nephron?a)To filter blood at the glomerulusb)To reabsorb glucose in the proximal tubulec)To concentrate urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medullad)To transport urine from the kidney to the bladderCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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