15.5 ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration

process that filters small molecules (water, glucose, ions, urea) into Bowman's capsule, forming glomerular filtrate

Bowman's Capsule

structure that collects filtered fluid (glomerular filtrate) from ultrafiltration process

Afferent Arteriole

The blood vessel that brings blood into the glomerulus.

Efferent Arteriole

smaller blood vessel that blood exits through, creating high pressure in glomerulus.

High Pressure

force that drives small molecules through pores in capillary endothelium during ultrafiltration

Capillary Endothelium

layer of cells in glomerulus that has pores allowing small molecules to pass through

Basement Membrane

filtration barrier that prevents large molecules (like proteins) from passing into Bowman's capsule

Podocytes

specialized cells in Bowman's capsule that assist in filtration

Glomerular Filtrate

fluid collected in Bowman's capsule, containing filtered substances

Filtered Substances

Water, salts, glucose + urea removed from blood during ultrafiltration

Retained Substances

blood cells, platelets + proteins that remain in bloodstream + not filtered out

reabsorption

process where some useful substances from glomerular filtrate are taken back into bloodstream later in nephron

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

measure of volume of filtrate formed per minute, indicating kidney efficiency.