afferent arteriole
Quick Summary
The afferent arteriole is a small blood vessel that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the kidneys. It is part of the intricate network of vessels within the kidney responsible for filtering blood.1
Specifically, the afferent arteriole carries blood to the glomerulus, a cluster of capillaries within the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. Before entering the glomerulus, the afferent arteriole's lining can enlarge and contain secretory granules, forming part of the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA), which is thought to be involved in hormone secretion.12
The pressure within the glomerular capillaries, essential for filtration, is influenced by the tone of both the afferent and efferent arterioles. The afferent arteriole has a thicker muscular coat than the efferent arteriole, which carries blood away from the glomerulus.31
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renal systemArteries and arterioles…off short branches called the afferent arterioles, which carry blood to the glomeruli where they divide into four to eight loops of capillaries in each glomerulus.
Read More…off short branches called the afferent arterioles, which carry blood to the glomeruli where they divide into four to eight loops of capillaries in each glomerulus.
Read More- renal systemFactors that affect renal flow
…of plasma so that the afferent arterioles skim off more plasma than cells. If the arteriolar blood pressure rises, the skimming effect increases, and the more densely packed axial flow of cells in the vessels offers increasing resistance to the pressure, which has to overcome this heightened viscosity. Thus, the…
Read More…of plasma so that the afferent arterioles skim off more plasma than cells. If the arteriolar blood pressure rises, the skimming effect increases, and the more densely packed axial flow of cells in the vessels offers increasing resistance to the pressure, which has to overcome this heightened viscosity. Thus, the…
Read More