Naslov
The osmotic gradient in kidney medulla: a retold story

Autori
Kurbel, Sven ; Dodig, Katarina ; Radić, Radivoje

Izvornik
Advances in physiology education (1043-4046) 26 (2002), 4; 278-281

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
kidney; countercurrent mechanisms; education

Sažetak
This article is an attempt to simplify lecturing about the osmotic gradient in the kidney medulla. In the model presented, the kidneys are described as a limited space with a positive interstitial hydrostatic pressure. Traffic of water, sodium, and urea is described in levels (or horizons) of different osmolarity, governed by osmotic forces and positive interstitial pressure. In this way, actions of the countercurrent multiplier in nephron tubules and of the countercurrent exchanger in vasa recta are integrated in each horizon. We hope that this approach can help students to better accept conventional presentation in their textbooks.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA