Question

The amount of the filtrate formed by the kidneys are (a) \(125 \mathrm{ml} / \mathrm{min}\) (b) \(7.5\) litre/hr (c) 180 litre/day (d) All of these

Short answer

The correct answer is (d) All of these. Each option represents the same volume of kidney filtrate but in different units of time.

Step-by-step solution

Conversion of Units

Start with the given amount of \(125 ml/min\) since it's the smallest time unit. Convert it to hour and then to day. \nTo do so, know that there are 60 minutes in an hour and 24 hours in a day. Hence, multiply \(125 ml/min\) by \(60 min/hr\) to convert it to litres per hour and by \(24 hr/day\) to convert it to litres per day.

Calculation

Calculate the value when \(125 ml/min\) is converted to litres per hour.\nThis gives \(125 ml/min * 60 min/hr = 7500 ml/hr\) or \(7.5 litre/hr.\)\nNext, calculate the value when \(125 ml/min\) is converted to litres per day. This gives \(125 ml/min * 60 min/hr * 24 hr/day = 180000 ml/day\) or \(180 litre/day.\)

Conclusion

Compare these calculated values to the options provided in the question. It's observed that the values match with option (b), i.e. \(7.5 litre/hr\) and option (c), i.e. \(180 litre/day\). This means that all of these provided options are representing the same filtrate volume formed by the kidneys but in different time units. Hence, the correct answer is (d) All of these.

Key concepts

Glomerular Filtration Rate

In the world of renal physiology, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key metric. It measures the activity of the kidneys, specifically how much blood is filtered every minute. This rate reflects overall kidney health and efficiency.
The average GFR in healthy adults is often around 90 to 120 ml per minute. However, various factors like age and size can influence this rate. A lower GFR could indicate kidney issues, requiring medical attention.
Understanding GFR is crucial because it helps diagnose kidney function and monitor the response to treatments. It acts as a window into the renal system's efficiency in filtering out waste and maintaining balance in the body.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is crucial in understanding data related to GFR and kidney function. Starting with smaller units like milliliters per minute, the given GFR can be converted into larger time units for better comprehension.
For effective conversion:

• Convert milliliters (ml) to liters by remembering that 1000 ml equals 1 liter.
• To switch from minutes to hours, multiply by 60 (since there are 60 minutes in an hour).
• To further convert from hours to a full day, multiply by 24 (since a day has 24 hours).

This method helps you translate given rates into the format you need, such as from 125 ml/min to 7.5 liters/hour or 180 liters/day, as shown in the problem. Unit conversion ensures you understand exactly what these numbers mean.

Kidney Function

Kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering blood, removing waste, and balancing bodily fluids. They achieve this through their functional units known as nephrons, which contain glomeruli.
Glomeruli are tiny blood vessel clusters that perform the primary job of filtration. Each minute, a significant volume of blood is filtered, illustrating the efficiency and importance of this process.
Maintaining healthy kidney function is essential for removing toxins and maintaining homeostasis. It affects everything from blood pressure regulation to hydration levels. Monitoring kidney function through tests like GFR can help detect potential issues early, preventing damage.

Fluid Volume Measurement

Measuring fluid volume in the body, especially through kidney filtration, is essential for assessing health. The kidneys must precisely measure and adjust the liquid flowing through them.
The rate at which kidneys filter quantifies not just volume but underlying health conditions. For instance, consistent low filtration rates might hint at chronic kidney disease.
By standard medical tests, fluid volume measurement helps manage and prescribe treatments. It highlights how well the kidneys are working, guiding healthcare providers in preventive care and adaptable treatments as required.