Human cell

Thin Descending Limb Cells (Water Savers)

Part of your kidney's tiny tube dips down deep into the kidney like a U. On the way down, very thin cells let water slip out.

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Lesson 1

The downhill side of the loop

The kidney's tiny tube has a U-shaped part called the loop of Henle. Fluid flows down one side and back up the other.

The downhill side is lined with very thin, flat cells. They are so thin, the tube is barely wider than a blood vessel.

Wow!

Deep inside your kidney, the area around the bottom of the loop is very salty. That saltiness is the secret to saving water.

Watch and learn

Operation Ouch - What are Kidneys? | Biology for Kids

By Operation Ouch. A fun video for kids.

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