Abstract
A comprehensive mathematical model of the renal medulla is presented and validated. It is used here to simulate the human kidney. The model formulation is based upon mass-balance equations describing flow of water, electrolyte, and urea through the various structures of the medulla. These structures include representations of both the cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons plus collecting ducts, vasa recta, and interstitium. The simulation produces a concentration increase in the inner zone without active transport of solutes from any tubule within that zone. Analysis of this behaviour indicates that passive mechanisms are adequate for the human kidney but may be inadequate for other mammalian species. The simulation also reproduces observed urea excretion rates over the normal range of diuresis to hydropenia and demonstrates a route for urea recirculation via the thin ascending limb of Henle.
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