An individual consumes excessive salt, disrupting electrolyte balance. Which mechanism explains why increased water reabsorption occurs in the kidney's collecting duct?

💡 Explanation

Increased salt intake raises plasma osmolarity, thus creating a stronger osmotic gradient in the kidney medulla. This enhances water reabsorption through osmosis in the collecting duct because water moves to equalize solute concentration. Therefore, more water is reabsorbed, rather than being excreted, diluting the excess salt.

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