Explain the glomerular filtration rate (gfr), Science

Assignment Help:

Explain the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

The kidneys receive a large amount of blood flow. The kidney blood flow is approximately 1200 ml per minute. One-tenth of this is filtered as the blood flows through the glomeruli i.e., about 120 ml. Filtration takes place through the semi-permeable walls of the glomerular capillaries, which are almost inlpermeable to proteins and large molecules. The filtrate is thus virtually free of proteins and has no cellular elements. The glomerular filtrate is formed by squeezing the fluid through the glomerular capillary bed.

The driving hydrostatic pressure (the pressure exerted by a liquid as a result of its potential energy) is controlled by the afferent and efferent arterioles (the muscular walled vessels leading to and from each glomerulus, and is provided by the arterial pressure, that is, the pressure of the circulating blood on the arteries. The glomerular filtration rate decreases with age and disease. In order to keep the renal blood flow and GFR relatively constant, the hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus has to be kept fairly constant. When there is a change in the arterial blood pressure, there is a constriction or dilatation of the afferent and efferent arterioles. This process is called as autoregulation and can be more precisely defined as the tendency of the blood flow to organ to remain constant in spite of the pressure changes in the artery that delivers blood to that organ.


Related Discussions:- Explain the glomerular filtration rate (gfr)

Explain abductor muscles, Explain Abductor Muscles Abductor muscle is a...

Explain Abductor Muscles Abductor muscle is a muscle that serves to draw a part out, or from the median line (as the abductor oculi, which draws the eye outward). Abductor m

LIBRARY, purpose of different levels of description of an entry

purpose of different levels of description of an entry

Material Science, #1.During take-off, the wing of the airplane is actually ...

#1.During take-off, the wing of the airplane is actually subjected to a cyclic stress range of 150 MPa at a stress ratio of 0.1. Estimate the mean stress intensity factor, and the

What determines sinking and floating, What determines sinking and floating?...

What determines sinking and floating? Shape a piece of lead, tin or aluminium foil into the form of a little boat and float it on the water in a pan; now wad the metal foil fro

Explain the liver and biliary system, Explain the Liver and Biliary System ...

Explain the Liver and Biliary System The liver is the largest gland in the body. It weighs about 1500 g. It is situated in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. The liver sec

Balanced diet, Balanced diet: We have dealt with quality and quantity o...

Balanced diet: We have dealt with quality and quantity of food. Both of  these should be balanced in a diet. A balanced diet is a combination of various foods which can fulfil

Atrial natriuretic peptide and anti-diuretic hormone, Stroke A patient...

Stroke A patient has experienced a bleed in the left frontal lobe of their brain. Describe the changes that are likely to affect motor function after this bleed. Mobility, re

Soil formation, how do temperature affect the soil

how do temperature affect the soil

Quiz, I have a vocabulary quiz tommorrow! WHat am I supposed to do

I have a vocabulary quiz tommorrow! WHat am I supposed to do

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd