Question

what is glomerular filtration?​

Answer 1

Glomerular filtration is the first step in urine formation

• Glomerular filtration is step one in the process of the formation of urine.
• In this process, filtration of huge amounts of fluid occurs through the glomerular capillaries into the Bowman's capsule.
• The fluid that enters the glomerular capsule is called glomerular filtrate or ultrafiltrate because it gets filtered via three layers, which act as selective filters under the hydrostatic pressure of blood.
• The three layers are:

1. Endothelium of the glomerular blood vessels
2. Epithelium of the Bowman’s capsule
3. Basement membrane between the endothelium of glomerular blood vessels and the Bowman's capsule epithelium.

• The glomerular capillaries are impermeable to proteins, so the filtrate is devoid of protein and cellular elements, including red blood cells.
• In a healthy adult, about 1100-1200 ml of blood is filtered by the kidneys per minute, on average.

Answer 2

• Glomerular filtration is the method through which the kidneys filter the blood, eliminating wastes and excess fluids.
• The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measurement of residual kidney function that indicates how effectively blood is filtered by the kidneys.
• The GFR can also be used to determine the stage of renal disease.
• The glomerular filtration rate is often estimated using a mathematical formula that relates serum creatinine levels to a person's size, age, sex, and race.
• A GFR of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 is indicative of renal disease; the lower the GFR, the poorer the kidney function.
• This is a calculated figure. In certain persons, such as the very young or the very elderly, amputees, or obese people, it may not be a useful marker of kidney health.