Glomerular hydrostatic pressure _____ filtration; colloid osmotic pressure and capsular hydrostatic pressure_____ filtration.
a. Favors; favor
b. Opposes; oppose
c. Favors; oppose
d. Opposes; favor

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the forces involved in glomerular filtration: Glomerular hydrostatic pressure (GHP) is the pressure exerted by blood within the glomerular capillaries, which pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the Bowman's capsule, favoring filtration. Colloid osmotic pressure (COP) is the pressure exerted by plasma proteins in the blood, which pulls water back into the capillaries, opposing filtration. Capsular hydrostatic pressure (CHP) is the pressure exerted by the fluid already in the Bowman's capsule, which also opposes filtration.
2. Analyze the role of glomerular hydrostatic pressure: Since GHP pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the Bowman's capsule, it favors filtration. This is the primary driving force for filtration in the glomerulus.
3. Analyze the role of colloid osmotic pressure: COP is caused by the presence of plasma proteins in the blood, which attract water back into the capillaries. This opposes filtration by counteracting the outward movement of fluid.
4. Analyze the role of capsular hydrostatic pressure: CHP is the pressure exerted by the fluid already present in the Bowman's capsule. This pressure resists the entry of additional fluid, opposing filtration.
5. Combine the information: Based on the roles of these pressures, glomerular hydrostatic pressure favors filtration, while colloid osmotic pressure and capsular hydrostatic pressure oppose filtration. Use this understanding to select the correct answer from the options provided.

Key Concepts

Glomerular Hydrostatic Pressure

Glomerular hydrostatic pressure is the blood pressure within the glomeruli of the kidneys. It plays a crucial role in the filtration process by pushing water and solutes out of the blood and into the Bowman’s capsule. This pressure is essential for initiating the formation of urine and is influenced by factors such as blood volume and systemic blood pressure.

Colloid Osmotic Pressure

Colloid osmotic pressure is the pressure exerted by proteins, primarily albumin, in the blood plasma that draws water back into the circulatory system. This pressure opposes filtration by counteracting the effects of hydrostatic pressure, thus preventing excessive loss of fluid from the blood vessels into the renal tubules. It is a key factor in maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Capsular Hydrostatic Pressure

Capsular hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by the fluid already present in the Bowman’s capsule. This pressure opposes the glomerular hydrostatic pressure and thus opposes filtration. It is important for regulating the amount of fluid that is filtered from the blood into the nephron, ensuring that the kidneys function efficiently.