Question

A patient has been diagnosed with a rare disease that causes the Loop of Henle to shrink. The Loop of Henle begins to shrink at the age of 20 and by the time the person is 40 years old, the Loop of Henle no longer exists. This patient is 28 years old and the Loop of Henle has shrunk quite a bit (about 47% of its original size).

Question 4. Explain what would happen to the function of the kidney if the Loop of Henle began to shrink? Specifically, describe (with justification) what would happen to reabsorption capabilities of the kidney? (4 marks) Describe what would happen to the countercurrent mechanism and the ability to concentrate urine (with justification)?

Answer 1