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 modulating process of ageing, Explain Modulating Process of Ageing ...

Explain Modulating Process of Ageing Despite various researches, ageing becomes an inevitable process. The only option is to have good control measures. These are highlighted h

Enviromental, what is the structure of the ecosystem

what is the structure of the ecosystem

Define physiology of growth and development, Define Physiology of Growth an...

Define Physiology of Growth and Development Growth refers to 'increase in size' and development refers to 'maturation of function'. They are generally associated with each othe

Explain the oxygen toxicity - histotoxic hypoxia, Explain the Oxygen toxici...

Explain the Oxygen toxicity - Histotoxic Hypoxia Exposure to oxygen at increased pressure can produce a marked increase in the dissolved oxygen in blood. It produces toxic effe

Explain maintaining the ph balance, Explain maintaining the pH Balance ...

Explain maintaining the pH Balance You must be aware of the term pH. PH we know provides a measure on a scale from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (where 7 i

Measuring atmospheric pressure with a bicycle pump, Measuring atmospheric p...

Measuring atmospheric pressure with a bicycle pump A bicycle pump with the washer reversed as represents can be used to calculate atmospheric pres- sure. The piston can be made

Define the term blood, Define the term Blood “The ancients believed th...

Define the term Blood “The ancients believed that blood was the seat of the emotions".  Blood, a body fluid, has been correctly termed as an elixir of life. We all have blood

Explain the menopause, Explain the Menopause The cessation of menstruat...

Explain the Menopause The cessation of menstruation is menopause. Natural menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. It is caused by changes in concentration of

Moods - minnesota multiphasic personality inventory, Mr. X is probably well...

Mr. X is probably well adjusted (Mt=42). Neither he nor others see him as anxious (Pt=59), and he either denies or does not experience depressiveness (DEP=41). He does not wake up

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