Question

Does higher or lower systemic blood pressure increase hydrostatic pressure which in turn increases filtration through glomerular capillaries?

1) Higher systemic blood pressure increases hydrostatic pressure and filtration
2) Lower systemic blood pressure increases hydrostatic pressure and filtration
3) Higher systemic blood pressure decreases hydrostatic pressure and filtration
4) Lower systemic blood pressure decreases hydrostatic pressure and filtration

Answer 1

Higher systemic blood pressure elevates hydrostatic pressure, which in turn increases the filtration through the glomerular capillaries, leading to more urine filtrate production.

Step-by-step explanation:

Higher systemic blood pressure increases hydrostatic pressure and filtration through glomerular capillaries.

Hydrostatic pressure influences the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which is a measure of how well the kidneys filter blood. An increase in systemic blood pressure raises glomerular hydrostatic pressure, which leads to more filtration and thus a greater formation of urine filtrate.

Accordingly, the hydrostatic pressure acts to push fluids through the capillaries of the glomerulus into the Bowman's capsule. The autoregulatory mechanisms of the kidneys aim to maintain a relatively constant GFR despite changes in systemic blood pressure, but significant deviations, especially on the lower end, can impair kidney function.