KEY POINTS

1. Introduction to the physiology of the kidney.

2. The glomerulus filters the blood.

3. The structure of the glomerulus allows efficient, selective filtration.

4. Glomerularfiltration rate is determined by the mean net filtration pressure, permeability of the filtration barrier, and area available for filtration.

5. The filtration barrier is selectively permeable.

6. Glomerularfiltration rate is regulated by systemic and Sntrinsicfactors.

7. Glomerular filtration rate is measured by determining the plasma clearance rate of a substance.