Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Analysis of Tubular Membrane Networks in Cardiac Myocytes from Atria and Ventricles
10:30

Analysis of Tubular Membrane Networks in Cardiac Myocytes from Atria and Ventricles

Published on: October 15, 2014

Periodic disk-like structures of the loop of Henle: description of a newly recognized anatomic network

R R Belliveau

    Pathology Annual
    |January 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Researchers discovered a new basement membrane network in the kidney's loop of Henle using PAS stain. This previously unrecognized structure may offer new insights into kidney anatomy and function.

    Area of Science:

    • Nephrology
    • Renal Anatomy
    • Histology

    Background:

    • The kidney's loop of Henle is crucial for concentrating urine.
    • Basement membranes provide structural support to renal tubules.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe a previously unrecognized anatomical structure in the loop of Henle.
    • To characterize the morphology and distribution of this novel finding.

    Main Methods:

    • Light-microscopic examination of kidney sections from 35 patients.
    • Utilized the Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain to visualize basement membranes.

    Main Results:

    • Identified a network of thickened basement membrane disks along the loop of Henle.
    • These 10-15 mu disks are round-to-ovoid, present circumferentially, and separated by thinner membrane segments.
    • The structures were observed in both thin and thick portions of the loop of Henle.

    Conclusions:

    • A novel anatomical network within the loop of Henle basement membrane has been identified.
    • The functional significance of these thickened basement membrane disks remains to be determined.

    More Related Videos

    The Olfactory System as a Model to Study Axonal Growth Patterns and Morphology In Vivo08:29

    The Olfactory System as a Model to Study Axonal Growth Patterns and Morphology In Vivo

    Published on: October 30, 2014

    Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling10:45

    Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling

    Published on: May 31, 2017

    Related Concept Videos

    Kidney Structure01:45

    Kidney Structure

    The kidneys are two large bean-shaped organs located in the upper abdomen. They filter the blood several times a day to remove toxins and rebalance water and electrolytes of the circulatory system via the renal veins. The kidneys receive blood directly from the heart via the renal arteries. These arteries enter the kidney at the hilum, the concave surface of the bean, where they branch and divide into smaller vessels and capillaries.
    Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures01:32

    Assembly of Complex Microtubule Structures

    Complex microtubule structures are present in resting cells and in dividing cells. In resting cells, they are responsible for maintaining the cellular architecture, tracks for intracellular transport, positioning of organelles, assembly of cilia and flagella. They mediate the bipolar spindle assembly for chromosomal segregation and positioning of the cell division plate in dividing cells. The formation of microtubule complex structures depends on the cell type, cell stage, and cell function.
    Neural Circuits01:25

    Neural Circuits

    Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
    Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
    Nephrons01:10

    Nephrons

    The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...
    Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct01:24

    Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct

    The renal tubule is divided into three parts: the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), the Loop of Henle (LOH), and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT).
    Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
    The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
    Formation of Concentrated Urine01:23

    Formation of Concentrated Urine

    There is a gradient of solutes in the interstitial fluid from the renal cortex through the medulla, known as the medullary osmotic gradient. The juxtamedullary nephrons establish and maintain this gradient using countercurrent mechanisms with loops extending deep into the medulla. These nephrons also use countercurrent mechanisms to regulate urine volume and concentration. The interaction between the descending and ascending limbs of the nephron loop creates an osmotic gradient through...