Renal physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Renal physiology

Sample item

Which of the following favours glomerular filtration?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Hydrostatic pressure in the glomerular capillaries

Net filtration pressure is capillary hydrostatic pressure minus the sum of Bowman's capsule hydrostatic pressure and plasma oncotic pressure. Only the first term pushes fluid out.

Option by option

  • A. Increased afferent arteriolar constriction

    Afferent constriction lowers capillary pressure and so lowers GFR.

  • B. Hydrostatic pressure in Bowman's capsule

    Pressure in the capsule pushes against filtration, as in ureteric obstruction.

  • C. Hydrostatic pressure in the glomerular capillaries (correct)

    Correct. This is the only outward force.

  • D. Plasma colloid osmotic pressure

    Oncotic pressure of plasma proteins pulls fluid back into the capillary.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Hydrostatic pressure in the glomerular capillaries. Net filtration pressure is capillary hydrostatic pressure minus the sum of Bowman's capsule hydrostatic pressure and plasma oncotic pressure.

Why is "Increased afferent arteriolar constriction" not the answer?

Afferent constriction lowers capillary pressure and so lowers GFR.

Why is "Hydrostatic pressure in Bowman's capsule" not the answer?

Pressure in the capsule pushes against filtration, as in ureteric obstruction.

Why is "Plasma colloid osmotic pressure" not the answer?

Oncotic pressure of plasma proteins pulls fluid back into the capillary.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Renal physiology in Physiology. Only the first term pushes fluid out.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Renal physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.