Loop of Henle

Flussdiagrammknoten

• Loop of Henle

• More ions accumulated toward the tip

• Increasingly negative solute potential in medulla

• Filtrate passes down descending limb

• Water moves out of  the nephron - down water potential gradient

• Water enters vasa recta capillaries - carried away

• Water leaves filtrate - solute potential more negative in medulla - water drawn out

• Sodium and Chloride ions continually recycled into descending limb by diffusion

• Positive correlation between length of the loop of henle and the ability to absorb water