Which of the following is not a primary function of the loop of Henle?
A) The loop of Henle reabsorbs water from the tubule fluid in its descending limb.
B) In addition to reabsorption, the loop of Henle secretes hydrogen ions.
C) By reabsorbing salt from its ascending limb, it makes the tubule fluid hypotonic.
D) Reabsorption of salt in the ascending limb also creates and maintains a high osmotic pressure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The loop of Henle does not secrete hydrogen ions, but it does reabsorb sodium, chloride, and other ions along its ascending and descending limbs. The reabsorption of salt and other solutes is what creates and maintains a high osmotic pressure in the renal medulla, which is important for the concentration of urine. The descending limb of the loop, by contrast, helps to reabsorb water from the tubular fluid, while the ascending limb helps to generate a concentration gradient that drives the movement of solutes out of the tubules and into the interstitial space.

Which of the Following Is Not a Primary Function of the Loop