Question

Define the following term:

Ultrafiltration

Answer 1

Ultrafiltration is the process of filtering blood through the glomerulus. Because of the tiny efferent arteriole, urea-containing blood enters the glomerulus via the afferent arteriole at high pressure. The high pressure causes the liquid component of the blood to filter from the glomerulus into the renal tubule, resulting in the glomerular filtrate. The filtrate comprises water, urea, salts, glucose and other plasma solutes, whereas blood cells, proteins and big molecules remain in the glomerulus. As a result, the blood that the efferent arteriole transports is relatively concentrated.