What is the maximum concentration of urine that can be excreted by the nephron?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the maximum concentration of urine that can be excreted by the nephron, indicating a need to understand renal physiology and osmolarity.
Answer
1,200 to 1,400 mOsm/kg of water.
The maximum concentration of urine that can be excreted by the nephron is typically between 1,200 to 1,400 mOsm/kg of water.
Answer for screen readers
The maximum concentration of urine that can be excreted by the nephron is typically between 1,200 to 1,400 mOsm/kg of water.
More Information
Urine concentration ability reflects the kidney's efficiency in conserving water, given varying conditions of hydration. It allows the body to expel waste with minimal water loss, important during dehydration.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the maximum urine concentration with plasma osmolality, which is usually lower.
Sources
- Renal system - Urine Concentration, Kidneys, Excretion | Britannica - britannica.com
- Kidney Concentrating Capacity - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
