Which component of blood is primarily filtered during the glomerular filtration process?

Which component of blood is primarily filtered during the glomerular filtration process?

• A. Red blood cells
• B. White blood cells
• C. Plasma
• D. Platelets

Answer: (C)

The glomerular filtration process primarily filters plasma, which is the liquid component of blood containing water, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. This filtration occurs in the glomeruli of the kidneys, where blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane. During this process, large proteins and cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are generally too large to pass through the filtration barrier, leading to their retention in the bloodstream. In contrast, smaller molecules found in plasma can pass through the filtration barrier and enter the renal tubules, where further processing occurs to form urine. Therefore, the primary component filtered during this process is plasma, making it the correct answer.

The glomerular filtration process primarily filters plasma, which is the liquid component of blood containing water, electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. This filtration occurs in the glomeruli of the kidneys, where blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane.

During this process, large proteins and cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are generally too large to pass through the filtration barrier, leading to their retention in the bloodstream. In contrast, smaller molecules found in plasma can pass through the filtration barrier and enter the renal tubules, where further processing occurs to form urine. Therefore, the primary component filtered during this process is plasma, making it the correct answer.