Ultrafiltration

Overview

What is forced through the filtration barrier and what is held back, and the roles of the capillary endothelium, the basement membrane and the podocytes.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Define ultrafiltration.

   Model answer

   Ultrafiltration is the process by which small molecules are forced out of the blood in the glomerulus into the Bowman's capsule under high pressure.

2. 2

   What substances are forced through the filtration barrier during ultrafiltration?

   Model answer

   Water, glucose, amino acids, urea and ions.

3. 3

   What is the role of the capillary endothelium in the filtration barrier?

   Model answer

   The capillary endothelium has pores that allow small molecules to pass through.

4. 4

   What is the function of the basement membrane in the filtration barrier?

   Model answer

   The basement membrane acts as part of the filtration barrier, preventing large molecules from passing.

5. 5

   What are podocytes and where are they found?

   Model answer

   Podocytes are specialised cells of the Bowman's capsule that form part of the filtration barrier.

6. 6

   How do podocytes contribute to filtration in the kidney?

   Model answer

   Podocytes have foot processes with filtration slits between them that allow small molecules through but retain large proteins and blood cells.

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