loop of Henle

noun phrase

loop of Hen·​le -ˈhen-lē How to pronounce loop of Henle (audio)
: the U-shaped part of the nephron of birds and mammals that lies between and is continuous with the proximal and distal convoluted tubules and that functions in water resorption

Word History

Etymology

F. G. J. Henle †1885 German pathologist

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loop of Henle was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near loop of Henle

Cite this Entry

“Loop of Henle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loop%20of%20Henle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

loop of Henle

noun
loop of Hen·​le -ˈhen-lē How to pronounce loop of Henle (audio)
: a U-shaped part of the nephron of birds and mammals that plays a part in removing water during the formation of urine
Etymology

from the name F. G. J. Henle, died 1885, German pathologist

Medical Definition

loop of Henle

noun
loop of Hen·​le -ˈhen-lē How to pronounce loop of Henle (audio)
: the U-shaped part of a vertebrate nephron that lies between and is continuous with the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, that leaves the cortex of the kidney descending into the medullary tissue and then bending back and reentering the cortex, and that functions in water resorption

called also Henle's loop

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