Vasa recta

The Vasa Recta are the series of straight capillaries in the medulla of the kidney. They are surrounded by the Loop of Henle and are an essential part of the Urinary System. The Vasa Recta play a crucial role in the concentration and dilution of urine.

Function

The primary function of the Vasa Recta is to maintain the osmotic gradient in the medulla of the kidney. This gradient is necessary for the kidney to produce concentrated urine. The Vasa Recta work in conjunction with the Loop of Henle to achieve this.

Structure

The Vasa Recta are long, straight capillaries that descend into the medulla and then ascend back towards the cortex. They are surrounded by a layer of peritubular cells which help to maintain the osmotic gradient.

Role in Disease

Dysfunction of the Vasa Recta can lead to a number of kidney diseases, including renal failure and diabetes insipidus. In renal failure, the Vasa Recta may not be able to maintain the osmotic gradient, leading to an inability to concentrate urine. In diabetes insipidus, the Vasa Recta may not be able to reabsorb enough water, leading to excessive urination.

See Also

• Kidney
• Nephron
• Renal physiology
• Renal circulation