Henle

Henle is a German surname that appears in various scientific and cultural contexts. The most widely known association is in anatomy, where the loop of Henle is named after the 19th-century German anatomist Friedrich Gustav Jakob Henle (1809–1885). The loop is a U-shaped segment of the nephron in the kidney that extends from the renal cortex into the medulla and back. Its descending limb is permeable to water, while the ascending limb reabsorbs salts. This arrangement creates an osmotic gradient in the renal medulla, enabling the kidney to concentrate urine and conserve water.

In addition to the anatomical term, Henle appears in the names of individuals who have contributed to science, medicine, and academia. The surname is therefore encountered in historical and scholarly contexts beyond its eponymous use in renal physiology.

Henle Verlag, or G. Henle Verlag, is a German music publishing house known for its urtext editions of classical repertoire. Established to provide authoritative, historically informed editions, the publisher is widely used by musicians and educators seeking accurate musical texts.

Beyond these well-known uses, Henle may reference other people, institutions, or places bearing the name. As with many surnames, its significance varies by field and historical period.