Describe how filtration of the blood occurs at the Kidney

Due to the afferent arteriole going towards the glomerulus having a having a larger diameter than the efferent arteriole leaving the glomerulus the pressure increases in the glomerulus. This causes the smaller molecules such as ions, glucose and urea to be pushed through the podocytes, basement membrane and endothelium complex, which restricts larger molecules from passing through into the nephron. This is called ultrafiltration, as the blood vessels lie very close to the distal convoluted tubule diffusion occurs between the two tubes, initially of all molecules and then selective reabsorption of glucose and some of the ions. Urea remains, more water is reabsorbed in the loop of henle by the the countercurrent mechanism and in the collecting duct due to aquaporins (depending on ADH content).

I should have chosen a less vague question.

MS
Answered by Max S. Biology tutor

2765 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how an endotherm prevents its body temperature from rising when external temperatures increase?


What are the 2 types of enzyme inhibition and how do they work?


What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?


Garlic contains a chemical called Allicin which has antimicrobial properties. Describe how this could have occurred through natural selection.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning