Where Does the Counter-Current Mechanism of Urine Formation Occur?
This process is seen in the kidneys. The kidney is made of functional units called nephrons. Nephrons can be of two types based on the position of the glomerular capsule. They are:
- Superficial Cortical nephrons that make up to 70-80% of nephron.
- Juxtamedullary nephron making up to 20% of nephron.
Nephrons can be divided into sections, considering their own structure and role. These sections include the collecting duct, the loop of Henle, the proximal tubule, the distal tubule, and the glomerulus. The Loop of Henle is made of a slender descending limb, a thin ascending limb continuing into a thick ascending limb. This resembles the shape of a hairpin. The Loop of Henle of juxtamedullary nephrons extend deep into the inner medulla of the kidney.
The development of the osmotic gradient is required for urine concentration and is mostly caused by countercurrent multiplication in the loops of Henle of juxtamedullary nephrons. Additional adjustments in concentration occur in the distal convoluted tubule, the fluid exits from the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and drains into collecting tubules. Urine is then transported to the bladder through the ureter.
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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