Question

Blood pressure is the driving force that moves fluid out of all the capillaries in the body. Why is so μch more fluid moved out of the capillaries in the glomerulus of the kidneys than in other areas of the body?

a. True
b. False

Answer 1

The statement regarding fluid movement in the glomerular capillaries compared to other capillaries is false. The glomerulus has a higher hydrostatic pressure, which allows for greater filtration that is essential for the kidneys' function in waste removal. This unique mechanism is driven by a balance of hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question posed attempts to understand why so much more fluid is moved out of the capillaries in the glomerulus of the kidneys compared to other areas of the body. The answer is false, as the glomerulus has a unique function in that it filters blood to form urine. The glomerular capillaries have a higher hydrostatic pressure due to the heart's pumping force and the narrower efferent arteriole leaving the glomerulus compared to the afferent arteriole entering it. This increased pressure, coupled with the specialized filtration membrane of the glomerulus, results in a greater volume of fluid being moved out of these capillaries. The filtration here is essential for the kidneys' capability to remove waste and excess substances from the blood.

GFR, or Glomerular Filtration Rate, is influenced by both hydrostatic pressure and colloid osmotic pressure on either side of the glomerular capillary membrane. The osmotic pressure is mainly contributed by plasma proteins like albumin, which generally do not leave the capillary. This balance between hydrostatic and osmotic pressure is what allows the kidneys to efficiently filter the blood without losing an excessive amount of plasma proteins.

Answer 2

Blood pressure is the driving force that moves fluid out of all the capillaries in the body. True.

Step-by-step explanation:

Blood Pressure as the Driving Force: The statement is true as blood pressure indeed serves as the driving force for the movement of fluid out of capillaries throughout the body.

Capillaries in the Glomerulus: The specific mention of the glomerulus in the kidneys refers to a unique capillary network. The glomerulus is a tuft of capillaries where filtration of blood occurs to form urine.

Increased Fluid Movement in Glomerulus: The higher rate of fluid movement in the glomerulus compared to other areas of the body is attributed to the specialized structure and function of the glomerular capillaries. The high pressure in the glomerulus facilitates the filtration of blood plasma, allowing water and solutes to move into the renal tubules for further processing.

Selective Explanation: Since the statement is true, there is no need to explain the false option.