16.4 - Mechanism of Concentration of the Filtrate
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Practice Questions
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What is the counter-current mechanism?
💡 Hint: Think about the flow directions of both structures.
What is the primary component that contributes to the osmolarity gradient?
💡 Hint: Remember the solutes involved in urine concentration.
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Interactive Quizzes
Quick quizzes to reinforce your learning
What is primarily responsible for maintaining the osmolarity gradient in the kidney?
💡 Hint: Think about the substances that contribute to osmotic pressure.
True or False: The descending limb of Henle's loop is impermeable to water.
💡 Hint: Consider the properties of the descending limb.
1 more question available
Challenge Problems
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Discuss the implications for an animal living in a dry environment that cannot utilize the counter-current mechanism effectively. What adaptations might it develop?
💡 Hint: Consider the trade-offs between survival strategies.
If the osmolarity of the filtrate in the loop of Henle remains constant rather than increasing as it descends, how does that affect urine concentration?
💡 Hint: Think about the relationship between osmolarity and water reabsorption.
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