Urinary Physiology
Glomerular Filtration
The filtration membrane is located in the renal corpuscle at the point where the glomerulus is in
contact with the visceral layer of the Bowman’s capsule and is the site of blood filtration in the
nephron. Certain plasma components pass from the glomerular blood across this membrane into
the lumen of Bowmans capsule.
1. Label the following components of the renal corpuscle in Figure 6.8:
A Parietal Layer of Bowmans Capsule
B Visceral Layer of Bowmans Capsule
C Capsular space
D Efferent arteriole
E Afferent arteriole
F Proximal convoluted tubule
G Distal convoluted tubule
H Juxtaglomerular apparatus
Figure 6.8: The Renal Corpuscle
I Glomerulus
Adapted from VanPutte, Regan & Russo (2014) page 952.
J Podocytes Note, this figure does show the presence of the JGA.
2. Figure 6.9 is a close up of the filtration membrane Label the following;
a Capsular space
b Endothelial cell
c Pedicel
d Blood vessel
e Fenestration (pore)
f Basal lamina
g Filtration slit
Figure 6.9: The Filtration Membrane
h Podocytes Adapted from VanPutte, Regan & Russo (2014) page 952
EXT ISAP 20 Sem 2, 2018 1
, 3. On Figure 6.9 above, draw in arrows to show the direction of filtration.
4. Name the two factors that determine which plasma components will pass across the membrane.
5. List some plasma components that pass through the filtration membrane.
6. List some blood components that are prevented from passing across the membrane.
Bowman's capsule is specifically designed to permit the filtration of blood. The structural
relationship of the podocyte cells to the glomerular endothelium is an important part of this
'filtration membrane'. Make sure you fully understand the micro-anatomical arrangement of these
cells (see Fig. 6.9.)
7. What type of capillaries are the glomerular capillaries? Why would this type of capillary be
necessary in this location?
8. What are podocytes and what do they contribute to the filtration membrane?
9. What three pressures are responsible for creating the net forces which control glomerular
filtration? Briefly describe how each one of these pressures is created.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
10. Glomerular filtration is largely dependent on the body's blood pressure. What is the process
called which allows the kidneys to protect themselves from normal fluctuations in blood
pressure?
11. This process ultimately bring about a change in afferent arteriole diameter; how can this affect
glomerular filtration?
12. In an emergency, the kidneys deliberately and quickly change glomerular filtration to maintain
blood pressure homeostasis. What division of the nervous system is involved?
2
EXT ISAP 20 Sem 2, 2018
Glomerular Filtration
The filtration membrane is located in the renal corpuscle at the point where the glomerulus is in
contact with the visceral layer of the Bowman’s capsule and is the site of blood filtration in the
nephron. Certain plasma components pass from the glomerular blood across this membrane into
the lumen of Bowmans capsule.
1. Label the following components of the renal corpuscle in Figure 6.8:
A Parietal Layer of Bowmans Capsule
B Visceral Layer of Bowmans Capsule
C Capsular space
D Efferent arteriole
E Afferent arteriole
F Proximal convoluted tubule
G Distal convoluted tubule
H Juxtaglomerular apparatus
Figure 6.8: The Renal Corpuscle
I Glomerulus
Adapted from VanPutte, Regan & Russo (2014) page 952.
J Podocytes Note, this figure does show the presence of the JGA.
2. Figure 6.9 is a close up of the filtration membrane Label the following;
a Capsular space
b Endothelial cell
c Pedicel
d Blood vessel
e Fenestration (pore)
f Basal lamina
g Filtration slit
Figure 6.9: The Filtration Membrane
h Podocytes Adapted from VanPutte, Regan & Russo (2014) page 952
EXT ISAP 20 Sem 2, 2018 1
, 3. On Figure 6.9 above, draw in arrows to show the direction of filtration.
4. Name the two factors that determine which plasma components will pass across the membrane.
5. List some plasma components that pass through the filtration membrane.
6. List some blood components that are prevented from passing across the membrane.
Bowman's capsule is specifically designed to permit the filtration of blood. The structural
relationship of the podocyte cells to the glomerular endothelium is an important part of this
'filtration membrane'. Make sure you fully understand the micro-anatomical arrangement of these
cells (see Fig. 6.9.)
7. What type of capillaries are the glomerular capillaries? Why would this type of capillary be
necessary in this location?
8. What are podocytes and what do they contribute to the filtration membrane?
9. What three pressures are responsible for creating the net forces which control glomerular
filtration? Briefly describe how each one of these pressures is created.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
10. Glomerular filtration is largely dependent on the body's blood pressure. What is the process
called which allows the kidneys to protect themselves from normal fluctuations in blood
pressure?
11. This process ultimately bring about a change in afferent arteriole diameter; how can this affect
glomerular filtration?
12. In an emergency, the kidneys deliberately and quickly change glomerular filtration to maintain
blood pressure homeostasis. What division of the nervous system is involved?
2
EXT ISAP 20 Sem 2, 2018
