Which of the following best describes glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

Here is the answer to Which of the following best describes glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

We collected it as the MCAT practice test (Human Anatomy & Physiology part ).

Which of the following best describes glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

1. the volume of filtrate created at the glomerulus per liter of blood flowing through the glomerular capillaries
2. the volume of blood flowing through the glomerular capillaries per minute
3. the volume of filtrate created by the kidneys per minute
4. the volume of urine leaving the kidneys per minute

The correct answer is below.

Glomerular Filtration Rate

GFR keeps relatively constant despite changes in renal perfusion pressure through automatic regulatory processes including glomerular feedback (TF) and myogenic changes in arteriolar tension.

The amount of filtrate produced by both kidneys per unit time is called the glomerular filtration rate, which is about 125ml/min for normal adults.

The ratio of glomerular filtration rate to renal plasma flow is called filtration fraction. The renal plasma flow was about 660ml per minute, so the filtration fraction was 125/660×. 100%≈ 19%.

This result suggests that about one-fifth of the plasma flowing through the kidney is filtered from the glomerulus into the cyst to produce proturia. The glomerular filtration rate and filtration fraction are indicators of renal function.

Clinical significance

Glomerular Filtration Rate can be used to estimate the extent and progression of functional nephropathy in the course of chronic kidney disease and to guide the diagnosis and treatment of renal disease.

1. Increased glomerular filtration rate can be seen in:

• In the early stages of diabetic glomerular sclerosis, the glomerular filtration rate is increased due to increased secretion of growth hormone, resulting in glomerular hypertrophy.

• Some minor pathological nephrotic syndrome, because the glomerular capillary colloid osmotic pressure is reduced, and the glomerular lesions are light, so the filtration rate is increased.

• The glomerular filtration rate may increase during pregnancy and return to normal postpartum.

2. The glomerular filtration rate decreased, which can be seen in:

• Various primary and secondary renal diseases affect glomerular filtration.

• With aging, the glomerular filtration rate gradually decreases, decreasing by about 1.15ml/min per year after age 40.

Correct Answer

Here is the correct answer to Which of the following best describes glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

• Answer: the volume of filtrate created by the kidneys per minute