Glomerular filtration mechanism
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
Glomerular filtration is the process of converting systemic blood supply into filtrate, which ultimately becomes urine. This complex regulatory process aims to maintain homeostasis of body fluids, water and electrolytes, and other physiological functions. The glomerulus is the primary filtering unit of the kidney. Blood and filtrate flow through the glomerulus, with blood entering via the afferent arteriole.
Glomerular filtration is the process of converting systemic blood flow into filtrate, which ultimately becomes urine. This complex regulatory process aims to maintain homeostasis of body fluids, water-electrolyte balance, and other physiological functions.
The glomerulus is the primary filtering unit of the kidney. Blood and filtrate pass through the glomerulus. Blood enters via the afferent arteriole, and as it flows through the glomerular capillaries, part of the plasma is filtered across the glomerular barrier into Bowman's space. The filtrate then exits through the proximal tubule, while the unfiltered (remaining in the vasculature) blood leaves via the efferent arteriole. The glomerulus contains specialized muscle cells, including intraglomerular mesangial cells, extraglomerular mesangial cells, and juxtaglomerular cells. Each of these cell types plays a unique role in regulating blood flow and glomerular filtration.
In clinical medicine, diseases affecting glomerular tissue include chronic glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, renal failure, and others. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, or difficulty urinating—potentially indicative of the aforementioned conditions—should follow the principle of early detection and early treatment to avoid missing the optimal window for intervention.
