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Related Concept Videos

Glomerular Filtration Rate and its Regulation01:28

Glomerular Filtration Rate and its Regulation

The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a measure of kidney function, reflecting the volume of filtrate formed per minute in the kidneys. On average, GFR is approximately 125 mL/min in males and 105 mL/min in females. Maintaining a relatively constant GFR is essential for the kidneys to effectively regulate body fluid homeostasis and maintain extracellular stability.
GFR regulation involves two primary intrinsic controls: the myogenic and tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms.
The myogenic...
Renal Corpuscle01:20

Renal Corpuscle

The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerular Filtration: Net Filtration Pressure01:26

Glomerular Filtration: Net Filtration Pressure

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,...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a critical indicator of kidney health, reflecting how well the kidneys filter blood. Changes in GFR can signal potential kidney impairment, necessitating accurate measurement methods to monitor kidney function effectively.Various molecules can serve as markers for GFR measurement, with the ideal marker meeting several specific criteria. It must freely filter at the glomerulus, avoid reabsorption or secretion by the renal tubules, remain unmetabolized, not...
Glomerular Filtration01:15

Glomerular Filtration

The filtration membrane in the renal system is a highly specialized structure essential for filtering blood. It consists of glomerular capillaries and podocytes, forming a selective barrier that permits the passage of water and small solutes while restricting most plasma proteins and blood cells.
Components of the Filtration Membrane
The filtration process involves three key layers: the glomerular endothelial cells, the basement membrane, and the podocyte-formed filtration slits.
Renal Drug Excretion: Glomerular Filtration01:02

Renal Drug Excretion: Glomerular Filtration

The kidney serves as the primary organ responsible for eliminating drugs and their metabolites from the body. This process, known as renal elimination, starts with glomerular filtration and results in urine formation. Each kidney houses millions of functional units called nephrons, where urine production occurs. A nephron has two main components: a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.
Drugs gain access to the kidney via the renal artery, which progressively branches off into afferent arterioles.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method
08:15

Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method

Published on: May 22, 2019

Safety in glomerular numbers.

Michiel F Schreuder1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nephrology, 804, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. m.schreuder@cukz.umcn.nl

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|April 26, 2012
PubMed
Summary

A low nephron number, established before birth, increases risks for hypertension and kidney failure. Protecting kidney development is crucial for long-term renal health.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Low nephron number is linked to hypertension, glomerular damage, proteinuria, and eventual renal failure, as per Brenner's hyperfiltration hypothesis.
  • Nephron endowment is determined during fetal development, with no new nephron formation after 34-36 weeks of gestation.
  • Factors impacting kidney development and nephron numbers include maternal conditions, stress, diseases, drug exposure, and premature birth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes of reduced nephron endowment.
  • To discuss the long-term consequences of a low nephron endowment.
  • To highlight the importance of adequate nephron numbers for renal health.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of factors affecting fetal kidney development.

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An Efficient Sieving Method to Isolate Intact Glomeruli from Adult Rat Kidney

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Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method
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  • Analysis of the association between nephron number and renal outcomes.
  • Synthesis of evidence on congenital anomalies impacting nephron endowment.

    • Main Results:

    • Maternal malnutrition, diabetes, stress, and certain drugs can reduce nephron endowment.
    • Congenital anomalies like renal hypoplasia also lead to fewer nephrons.
    • Reduced nephron endowment is associated with increased risk of hypertension and renal dysfunction.

    Conclusions:

    • Adequate nephron endowment is critical for preventing long-term renal disease.
    • Interventions targeting fetal development may mitigate risks associated with low nephron numbers.
    • Maintaining sufficient glomerular numbers is essential for renal health and longevity.