Glomerular filtration, a key process in the kidneys, is regulated by three main pressures: Glomerular blood hydrostatic pressure (GBHP), Capsular hydrostatic pressure (CHP), and Blood colloid osmotic pressure (BCOP).
GBHP, with an average value of 55 mmHg, promotes filtration by pushing water and solutes through the filtration membrane. This is balanced by two opposing forces: CHP, a "back pressure" exerted against the filtration membrane by fluid already in the capsular space and renal tubule, averaging at 15 mmHg, and BCOP (averaging at 30 mmHg), which arises due to the presence of plasma proteins like albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen.
The Net Filtration Pressure (NFP) determines the total pressure that drives filtration, calculated as NFP = GBHP - CHP - BCOP. Under normal conditions, this results in an NFP of about 10 mmHg, allowing a standard amount of blood plasma (minus plasma proteins) to filter from the glomerulus into the capsular space.
From Chapter 29:
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