What is the process called that involves filtration of plasma in the glomerular capillaries?

The process involving the filtration of plasma in the glomerular capillaries is known as glomerular filtration. This process occurs in the renal corpuscles of the kidneys, where blood enters the glomerulus through the afferent arterioles.

During glomerular filtration, water, ions, and small molecules from the blood plasma pass through the filtration barrier consisting of the capillary endothelium, the glomerular basement membrane, and the podocytes. These structures selectively allow certain components of the blood to enter the filtrate while preventing larger molecules and cells, such as proteins and blood cells, from passing through.

The result is the formation of a filtrate, which ultimately contributes to the urine produced by the kidney. Glomerular filtration is a critical first step in the process of urine formation, and it is significant for regulating blood composition, waste removal, and maintaining overall fluid balance in the body.