Question

The vasa recta are

a. cells in the collecting ducts.
b. substances released from the afferent arteriole.
c. blood capillaries around loop of Henle in mammals.
d. blood capillaries around the proximal convoluted tubules in mammals.

Answer 1

The vasa recta are blood capillaries around the loop of Henle that recover solutes and water in the kidney. They play a crucial role in the countercurrent multiplier system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vasa recta are blood capillaries around the loop of Henle in mammals. They are branches of the efferent arterioles that parallel the course of the loops of Henle and are continuous with the peritubular capillaries, forming a portal system with the glomerulus. The vasa recta play a crucial role in recovering solutes and water at a rate that preserves the countercurrent multiplier system in the kidney.