Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology: Regulation of Glomerular Filtration

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology: Regulation of Glomerular Filtration

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Problem 26

Textbook Question

In a normal kidney, which of the following conditions would cause an increase in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?
(a) Constriction of the afferent arteriole
(b) A decrease in the pressure of the glomerulus
(c) An increase in the capsular hydrostatic pressure
(d) A decrease in the concentration of plasma proteins in the blood
(e) A decrease in the net glomerular filtration process

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of glomerular filtration rate (GFR): GFR is the rate at which the kidneys filter blood through the glomeruli. It is influenced by factors such as blood pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and oncotic pressure within the glomerulus and surrounding structures.

Analyze the role of afferent arteriole constriction: Constriction of the afferent arteriole reduces blood flow into the glomerulus, decreasing glomerular pressure and lowering GFR. This eliminates option (a).

Evaluate the effect of glomerular pressure: A decrease in glomerular pressure reduces the driving force for filtration, which lowers GFR. This eliminates option (b).

Consider the impact of capsular hydrostatic pressure: An increase in capsular hydrostatic pressure opposes filtration, reducing GFR. This eliminates option (c).

Examine the role of plasma protein concentration: A decrease in plasma protein concentration reduces oncotic pressure in the glomerulus, which increases the net filtration pressure and raises GFR. This makes option (d) the correct choice.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

GFR is the rate at which blood is filtered through the glomeruli in the kidneys, typically measured in milliliters per minute. It is a crucial indicator of kidney function, reflecting how well the kidneys are filtering waste and excess substances from the blood. Factors influencing GFR include blood pressure, blood flow, and the permeability of the glomerular membrane.

Afferent and Efferent Arterioles

The afferent arteriole supplies blood to the glomerulus, while the efferent arteriole carries blood away. Constriction of the afferent arteriole reduces blood flow into the glomerulus, leading to a decrease in GFR. Conversely, constriction of the efferent arteriole can increase GFR by increasing pressure within the glomerulus, highlighting the importance of these arterioles in regulating kidney function.

Hydrostatic and Oncotic Pressures

Hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted by fluid within the glomerulus, promoting filtration, while oncotic pressure is the osmotic pressure exerted by proteins in the blood, opposing filtration. An increase in capsular hydrostatic pressure or a decrease in plasma protein concentration can affect GFR by altering these pressures, demonstrating the balance required for effective kidney filtration.

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Textbook Question

Mannitol is a sugar that is filtered, but not reabsorbed, by the kidneys. What effect would drinking a solution of mannitol have on the volume of urine produced?

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