How does tubular flow rate affect urea reabsorption in the kidneys?

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Multiple Choice

How does tubular flow rate affect urea reabsorption in the kidneys?

Explanation:
Low tubular flow increases urea reabsorption by giving urea more time to move from the lumen into the medullary interstitium via urea transporters in the inner medullary collecting duct (UT-A1/UT-A3). This reabsorption relies on the high medullary osmotic gradient, which is better maintained when flow is slow because less urea is washed away. As a result, a larger fraction of filtered urea is reabsorbed—about 60% under these conditions. If flow is high, the gradient is washed out and luminal urea concentration drops, reducing reabsorption. So, lowering flow promotes urea reabsorption, while increasing flow reduces it.

Low tubular flow increases urea reabsorption by giving urea more time to move from the lumen into the medullary interstitium via urea transporters in the inner medullary collecting duct (UT-A1/UT-A3). This reabsorption relies on the high medullary osmotic gradient, which is better maintained when flow is slow because less urea is washed away. As a result, a larger fraction of filtered urea is reabsorbed—about 60% under these conditions. If flow is high, the gradient is washed out and luminal urea concentration drops, reducing reabsorption. So, lowering flow promotes urea reabsorption, while increasing flow reduces it.

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