Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys filter blood, specifically the volume of fluid filtered from the renal glomeruli into the Bowman's capsule per unit time. It is a crucial indicator of kidney function and is influenced by factors such as blood pressure, blood flow, and the composition of blood, including protein levels.
Recommended video:
Glomerular Filtration Rate
Colloid Osmotic Pressure
Colloid osmotic pressure is the pressure exerted by proteins in the blood plasma that helps to retain water within the circulatory system. When there is an increase in colloid osmotic pressure, such as from excess proteins in the blood, it can counteract the hydrostatic pressure in the glomeruli, thereby reducing the net filtration pressure and potentially decreasing the GFR.
Recommended video:
Starling Forces
Starling forces refer to the physical forces that govern the movement of fluid across capillary membranes, including hydrostatic pressure and osmotic pressure. In the context of glomerular filtration, these forces determine the net filtration pressure, which is essential for understanding how changes in blood composition, like increased protein levels, can affect the filtration process in the kidneys.
Recommended video:
Forces That Shape the Lungs