The net pressure gradient that causes the fluid to filter out of the glomeruli into the capsule is:

Correct answer: C. 20 mm Hg

  • A. 50 mm Hg
  • B. 75 mm Hg
  • C. 20 mm Hg
  • D. 30 mm Hg

Explanation

Walls of glomerular capillaries and Bowman's capsule are very thin and are semipermeable due to the presence of pores in the former and slitpores in the latter. They allow water and small molecules in the blood to pass through them. Fluid containing these materials is forced out of the glomerular capillaries into the Bowman's capsule by the high pressure of the blood in the glomerular capillaries. This pressure is about 70 mm Hg in man. The fluid tends to move in the reverse direction due to (i) the osmotic pressure of plasma proteins in the glomerular capillaries, and (ii) hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the urinary tubule. These pressures in man are about 30 mm. Hg. and 20 mm. Hg. respectively. The net force moving the fluid from the glomerular capillaries, called the filtration pressure, is 70 - (30 + 20) or 20 mmHg.

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About Homeostasis

Homeostasis maintains a stable internal environment through the kidney and urinary system, thermoregulation and excretion. The kidney topics include filtration, selective reabsorption, urine formation and water balance, while thermoregulation involves sweating, vasodilation, vasoconstriction and hormonal control; excretion is different from egestion, which removes undigested food.

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