Why is the diameter of afferent arteriole is bigger than efferent arteriole?

Video Solution: Give reasons. Diameter of afferent arteriole is bigger than efferent arteriole. The afferent arteriole in a nephron has a larger diameter than the outgoing efferent arteriole and this rise the blood pressure in the glomerulus capillaries lead to the ultrafiltration of the blood in the Bowman’s capsule.

What purpose does the efferent arteriole serve?

The efferent arterioles form a convergence of the capillaries of the glomerulus, and carry blood away from the glomerulus that has already been filtered. They play an important role in maintaining the glomerular filtration rate despite fluctuations in blood pressure.

Why does the diameter of the efferent arteriole effect filtration?

Glomerular filtration, an important part of renal function, helps in eliminating waste materials and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. An increase in the efferent arteriolar diameter (decrease in resistance) causes a decrease in the glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure and a decrease in GFR.

Why efferent arteriole is narrower than afferent arteriole?

The efferent arteriole carries blood away from the glomerulus. Because it has a smaller diameter than the afferent arteriole, it creates some resistance to blood flow, producing the back-up of blood in the glomerulus which creates higher pressure in the glomerular cavity.

What happens if afferent arteriole is smaller than efferent arteriole?

Afferent arterioles supply the blood to the Bowman’s capsule whereas the efferent arteriole exits the blood from the Bowman’s capsule. If the afferent arteriole diameter is less than the efferent arteriole then the ultrafiltration will not occur.

What is the benefit of the size difference between the afferent and efferent arteriole?

This is to provide for the increased blood pressure in the glomerulus for ultrafiltration to take place. When the afferent arteriole is larger, more blood would flow into the efferent arteriole, which is of a smaller diameter, resulting in increased blood pressure in the glomerulus.

What is the function of the afferent and efferent arterioles?

Afferent and efferent arterioles are responsible for the supply of blood to the glomerulus of the kidney. The glomerulus is a branch of blood capillaries. It functions by receiving the blood through an afferent arteriole and the blood comes out through the efferent arteriole.

What would happen if the diameter of the efferent arterioles in the glomerulus decreased?

Urine output will decrease. If the diameter of the efferent arterioles leading away from the glomerulus decreases (vasoconstriction), which of the following is NOT likely to occur? Systemic blood pressure will go up. Glomerular filtration rate will increase.

When the afferent arteriole diameter decreases GFR will?

Afferent arteriole constriction leads to decreased GFR and decreased RPF, resulting in no change in FF. One important function of prostaglandins is to dilate the afferent arteriole.

Is the diameter of the afferent arteriole larger or smaller than the diameter of the efferent arteriole?

Hint: The afferent arteriole is the arteriole that brings blood to the glomerulus. It is larger in diameter than the efferent arteriole.

What happens to the afferent arteriole when GFR decreases?

Constriction of the afferent arterioles has two effects: it increases the vascular resistance which reduces renal blood flow (RBF), and it decreases the pressure downstream from the constriction, which reduces the GFR. Dilation of the afferent arterioles has the opposite effects.