Countercurrent Mechanism Steps
The three segments of the Loop of Henle each have their own unique properties that allow for countercurrent flow.
- Solutes like urea sodium chloride, and water can pass through the thin descending limb passively.
- These solutes move down their concentration gradients until their concentrations are in equilibrium within the descending tubule and the interstitial space, as active reabsorption of solutes from the ascending limb of the loop of Henle increases the concentration of solutes within the interstitial space (space between cells).
- Water exits the tubular fluid and solutes enter. This indicates that the tubular fluid descends the narrow descending limb. It gradually gets more concentrated, or hyperosmotic, in relation to the blood.
- Sodium, potassium, and chloride are actively reabsorbed by the thick ascending limb. Additionally, this section of the loop is impervious to water, meaning that water cannot escape it. Thus, this section is referred to as the “diluting segment” at times.
Also Read: Mechanism of Urine Formation
Countercurrent Mechanism – Urine Formation and Steps
The countercurrent mechanism in kidney is a process of concentrating urine. It involves the flow of filtrate in opposite directions in the two limbs of the loop of Henle, which creates an osmotic gradient. This gradient allows the kidneys to reabsorb water from the filtrate and produce concentrated urine.
In this article, we will discuss more about the countercurrent mechanism, the steps involved, how urine is formed, and the multiplication of the countercurrent. You can also find the countercurrent mechanism notes here.
Table of Content
- What are the Countercurrent Mechanisms?
- Where Does the Counter-Current Mechanism of Urine Formation Occur?
- Countercurrent Mechanism Steps
- Countercurrent Mechanism Diagram
- What is Countercurrent Exchange Multiplication?
- How is Concentrated Urine Produced?
- Importance of Counter Current Mechanism
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