Near the top of the kidney's U-shaped loop, the tube gets thicker. Its cells are busy pumps that push salt out.
Drag to turn it around. Use the buttons to zoom in and try things from the lessons.
The 3D model can't load right now. Check your internet connection, or try a different web browser.
The uphill side of the kidney's loop of Henle starts thin. Then it gets thick.
Its cells are taller, like little blocks. They are packed with mitochondria, because pumping takes lots of energy.
These cells make a protein called uromodulin. It is the most common protein in healthy pee!
So these salt pumps are really a big part of how you save water on a hot day.
Press Pump salt out on the 3D model.
By Operation Ouch. A fun video for kids.
Watch on YouTube →