What is the significance of the cardiac output that passes through the kidneys?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the importance of cardiac output in relation to the kidneys and how it affects various physiological processes such as blood filtration, electrolyte balance, urine production, and metabolic rate.
Answer
20-25% of cardiac output passes through kidneys for filtration and hemodynamic stability.
The significance of cardiac output passing through the kidneys is to allow for the efficient filtration of blood, removal of waste, and maintenance of hemodynamic stability. About 20-25% of cardiac output goes to the kidneys, which enables functions like glomerular filtration and regulation of blood pressure and body fluid balance.
Answer for screen readers
The significance of cardiac output passing through the kidneys is to allow for the efficient filtration of blood, removal of waste, and maintenance of hemodynamic stability. About 20-25% of cardiac output goes to the kidneys, which enables functions like glomerular filtration and regulation of blood pressure and body fluid balance.
More Information
Efficient renal blood flow supports vital functions such as blood pressure regulation, electrolyte balance, and even the production of certain hormones.
Tips
A common misconception is the belief that the high renal blood flow is due just to metabolic needs. Actually, it's more about filtration efficiency.
Sources
- Physiology, Renal Blood Flow and Filtration - StatPearls - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Kidney Blood Flow - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- Renal blood flow - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
