What is the primary mechanism for the reabsorption of sodium in the renal tubules?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the main process through which sodium is reabsorbed in the renal tubules of the kidney. It requires knowledge of renal physiology and the mechanisms involved in sodium transport.
Answer
Active transport via Na+/K+ ATPase.
The primary mechanism for the reabsorption of sodium in the renal tubules is active transport driven by the Na+/K+ ATPase pump on the basolateral membrane.
Answer for screen readers
The primary mechanism for the reabsorption of sodium in the renal tubules is active transport driven by the Na+/K+ ATPase pump on the basolateral membrane.
More Information
In the nephron, sodium is primarily reabsorbed in the proximal tubule. The Na+/K+ ATPase pump actively transports sodium ions out of the tubular cells into the interstitial space, allowing sodium to move from the tubular lumen into these cells passively.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume all sodium reabsorption occurs through passive diffusion, whereas active transport is the main process.
Sources
- Sodium Absorption - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- Renal handling of sodium | Deranged Physiology - derangedphysiology.com
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