Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 40m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 37m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 7m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood1h 22m
18. The Heart1h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance Coming soon
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity Coming soon

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology Step 1: Glomerular Filtration

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

Renal Physiology Step 1: Glomerular Filtration

Problem 24.6a

Textbook Question

Which of the following substances would pass through the filtration membrane to become part of the filtrate under normal circumstances? (Circle all that apply.)

a. Sodium ions
b. Albumin
c. Glucose
d. Erythrocytes
e. Leukocytes
f. Amino acids
g. Urea

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of the filtration membrane in the kidneys, which consists of three layers: the fenestrated endothelium, the basement membrane, and the podocyte filtration slits.

Identify the size and charge of the substances listed: sodium ions, albumin, glucose, erythrocytes, leukocytes, amino acids, and urea.

Recall that the filtration membrane allows small molecules and ions to pass through while restricting larger molecules and cells.

Determine which substances are small enough to pass through the filtration membrane: typically, ions, small molecules like glucose, amino acids, and urea can pass, while larger proteins like albumin and cells like erythrocytes and leukocytes cannot.

Circle the substances that are small enough to pass through the filtration membrane under normal circumstances: sodium ions, glucose, amino acids, and urea.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Filtration Membrane

The filtration membrane is a selective barrier in the kidneys, specifically in the glomerulus, that allows certain substances to pass into the filtrate while retaining larger molecules and cells. It consists of three layers: the fenestrated endothelium, the basement membrane, and the podocytes. This structure is crucial for maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body.

Substance Size and Charge

The ability of a substance to pass through the filtration membrane is largely determined by its size and charge. Small molecules, such as sodium ions, glucose, and urea, can easily pass through, while larger molecules like albumin and cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) are typically retained. This selective permeability is essential for proper kidney function and homeostasis.

Normal Filtrate Composition

Normal filtrate composition includes water, electrolytes, glucose, amino acids, and waste products like urea. Understanding what constitutes normal filtrate helps in identifying which substances can pass through the filtration membrane. Abnormal levels of certain substances in the filtrate can indicate underlying health issues, such as kidney damage or disease.