loop of Henle

loop of Hen·le

noun \-ˈhen-lē\

Definition of LOOP OF HENLE

: 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

Biographical Note for LOOP OF HENLE

F. G. J. Henle —see henle's layer

Illustration of LOOP OF HENLE