Fill in the blanks: Glomerular hydrostatic pressure _____ filtration; colloid osmotic pressure and capsular hydrostatic pressure_____ filtration.


a. favors; favor
b. opposes; oppose
c. favors; oppose
d. opposes; favor

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of glomerular hydrostatic pressure: It is the force exerted by the blood within the glomerular capillaries, which tends to push water and solutes out of the blood and into the Bowman's capsule, thus favoring filtration.
2. Consider the role of colloid osmotic pressure: This is the pressure exerted by proteins, mainly albumin, in the blood plasma that tends to pull water back into the circulatory system, opposing filtration.
3. Examine the capsular hydrostatic pressure: This is the pressure exerted by the fluid already in the Bowman's capsule, which also opposes the entry of more fluid, thus opposing filtration.
4. Combine these concepts: Glomerular hydrostatic pressure favors filtration, while both colloid osmotic pressure and capsular hydrostatic pressure oppose filtration.
5. Match the understanding with the options provided: Identify the option where glomerular hydrostatic pressure favors filtration and the other pressures oppose it.

Key Concepts

Glomerular Hydrostatic Pressure

Glomerular hydrostatic pressure is the blood pressure within the glomeruli of the kidneys. It is a crucial force that drives the filtration of blood, pushing water and solutes out of the blood and into the Bowman’s capsule. This pressure is essential for initiating the process of urine formation, as it favors the movement of fluid from the capillaries into the renal tubules.

Colloid Osmotic Pressure

Colloid osmotic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by proteins, primarily albumin, in the blood plasma. This pressure opposes filtration by drawing water back into the capillaries from the Bowman’s capsule, thus counteracting the effects of glomerular hydrostatic pressure. It plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance and ensuring that not all fluid is filtered out of the bloodstream.

Capsular Hydrostatic Pressure

Capsular hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by the fluid already present in the Bowman’s capsule. This pressure opposes the glomerular hydrostatic pressure, thereby resisting the filtration of additional fluid into the capsule. Understanding this concept is important for grasping how filtration rates are regulated in the kidneys and how various pressures interact during the filtration process.