Question

What is Glomerular filtration rate?

Answer 1

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. More filtrate in the Bowman's space means there is a higher hydrostatic pressure in the Bowman's capsule. This then causes the glomerular filtration rate to decrease as higher hydrostatic pressure in the Bowman's space counteracts the hydrostatic pressure in the glomerulus that favours the filtration of blood. As the amount of ultrafiltrate entering Bowman's space goes up, the hydrostatic pressure in the Bowman's space goes up as well, and vice versa.