Final answer:
Juxtamedullary nephrons, located close to the cortico-medullary junction, play an extensive role in the concentration of urine and the medullary osmotic gradient. They have a longer loop of Henle compared to cortical nephrons, which allows them to regulate urine concentration better.
Step-by-step explanation:
Juxtamedullary nephrons are a type of nephron that make up 15% of the nephrons and are located close to the cortico-medullary junction. These nephrons play an extensive role in the concentration of urine and the medullary osmotic gradient. They have a longer loop of Henle compared to cortical nephrons, which allows them to regulate urine concentration better.