Medullary Osmotic Gradient

Question 1

What creates an osmotic gradient within the renal medulla that allows for varying urine concentrations?

Answer 1

juxtamedullary nephrons

Question 2

What part of the juxtamedullary nephrons create the gradient?

Answer 2

long nephron loops

Question 3

What is the fxn of the long nephron loops of the juxtamedullary nephrons?

Answer 3

countercurrent multipliers

Question 4

What preserves the osmotic gradient?

Answer 4

vasa recta

Question 5

What is the function of the vasa recta?

Answer 5

countercurrent exchangers

Question 6

What part of all nephrons use the gradient to adjust urine osmolality?

Answer 6

the collecting ducts

Question 7

What is the osmolality of the medullary interstitial fluid in the deepest part of the medulla?

Answer 7

1200

Question 8

T/F fluid entering the nephron loop is isosmotic to both blood plasma and cortical interstitial fluid

Answer 8

true

Question 9

T/F filtrate is hyperosmotic to the interstitial fluid as it leaves the nephron loop

Answer 9

false, filtrate is hypo-osmotic. most dilute (100mOsm)

Question 10

What determines the final concentration and volume of the urine?

Answer 10

the collecting ducts