Function of the kidneys

Ultrafiltration
• Blood enters the renal capsule through the
afferent arteriole
• Divides into a network of capillaries
(glomerulus)
• Leaves the renal capsule through the
efferent arteriole
• Blood enters glomerulus under high pressure
– Afferent arteriole is wider than efferent arteriole
causing a build up of hydrostatic pressure
• Pressure forces water and dissolved blood
components into the cavity of the renal capsule
– Up to a relative molecular mass of 70 000
– filtrate
Structure
 Pathway of filtrate
• Capillary walls are made up of endothelial
cells with pores between them.
• Through the basement membrane
• Through podocytes
– Make up inner layer of renal capsule
– Cells lifted off the surface membrane on little
feet
 Adaptations
• Endothelial cell pores- do not restrict
passage
– Filtrate does not have to go through them
• Basement membrane allows only the
passage of smaller molecules
• Pressure build up due to narrowing of
efferent arteriol
 Resistance to filtration
• Capillary endothelium
• Basement membrane
• Epithelial cells of renal capsule
• Intracapsular pressure- the hydrostatic
pressure of the fluid in the renal capsule
• Low water potential of blood in the
glomerulus
Hydrostatic pressure of blood is great
– Overcomes the resistant
– Referred to as effective filtration pressue