Final answer:
Changes in mean arterial pressure influence glomerular filtration rate by affecting the glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure, which is part of the net filtration pressure equation that determines GFR.
Step-by-step explanation:
Changes in mean arterial pressure have the potential to alter glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by directly altering glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure. Glomerular filtration rate is the volume of glomerular filtrate formed per minute by the kidneys and is a crucial indicator of kidney function. The formula for net filtration pressure (NFP) is NFP = GBHP - [CHP + BCOP] = 10 mm Hg, where GBHP is the glomerular blood hydrostatic pressure, CHP is the capsular hydrostatic pressure, and BCOP is the blood colloid osmotic pressure. Changes in the arterial pressure affect GBHP, thereby impacting GFR.
The physiological control of GFR involves autoregulation, predominantly by the afferent arterioles which contract or relax in response to changes in blood pressure to maintain a nearly constant GFR. When blood pressure increases, afferent arterioles vasodilate, leading to an increased GFR, and conversely, when pressure decreases, they constrict, decreasing GFR.