Physiology of Capillary Beds

What is the primary function of the glomerular filtration membrane?

What is the result of the glomerular filter becoming more permeable to proteins in diseases such as diabetes mellitus?

Which of the following substances is NOT filtered out by the glomerular filter?

What is the name of the structure that supports the glomerular filter?

What is the function of the podocyte process?

What is the term for the release of protein into the urine?

What is the name of the disease that affects the glomerular filter?

What is the function of the glomerular filter?

What is the structure that surrounds the glomerular filter?

What is the term for the process of filtering out waste and excess substances from the blood?

Glomerular Filtration

Glomerular capillaries are uniquely situated between afferent and efferent arterioles, resulting in constant filtration of plasma by the glomerular filter.
Hydrostatic pressure in the glomerular capillaries remains higher than the osmotic pressure exerted by their contents, causing continuous filtration.
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is regulated by neural and hormonal inputs affecting the degree of constriction in two arterioles.

Glomerular Filtration Barrier

The glomerular filtration barrier consists of three layered components: fenestrated capillary endothelium, glomerular basement membrane (GBM), and filtration slit diaphragms between pedicels.
The GBM blocks large proteins, while filtration slit diaphragms regulate passage of small proteins.
The glomerular filter blocks most plasma proteins, but smaller proteins, including polypeptide hormones, are removed into the filtrate.

Glomerular Function

The total glomerular filtration area of an adult has been estimated at 500 cm2.
The average GFR is 125 mL/min or 180 L/d.
The glomerular filter produces a filtrate that contains very little protein.

Medical Application

In diseases such as diabetes mellitus and glomerulonephritis, the glomerular filter becomes more permeable to proteins, leading to proteinuria.
Proteinuria is an indicator of many potential kidney disorders.

This quiz covers the structure and function of capillary beds, including the role of basement membrane and mesangial cells. It also explores the differences between capillaries and venule.