In: Anatomy and Physiology
Answer : (c) they usally are impermeable to water
The collecting dust is the terminal portion of a nephron which connects it to the renal pelvis. Collecting ducts descend through the cortex and medulla of the kidney and converge to form large ducts which finally empty into the renal pelvis.
The main function of the collecting duct is reabsorption of water which occurs through the action of anti-diuretic hormone or vasopressin. The medullary portion of the collecting ducts have the highest permeability to urea.
The collecting ducts are composed of two cell types: principal (P cells) and intercalated cells (I cells) . The P cells are involved in reabsoprtion of sosium and vasopressin induced water reabsorption. Antidiuretic hormone / vasopressin acts on the V2 receptors on the collecting duct, which causes the insertion of aquaporin-2 chgannels which causes water reabsorption. The I cells are concerned with acid secretion and HCO3- transport.