E1.iv · Glomerular Filtration

This viva is about renal function, including fluid and chloride clearance. Define renal clearance and describe how we measure glomerular filtration.

This viva is about insulin and glomerular filtration. What are the effects of insulin?

This viva will assess your knowledge of renal physiology. Describe the physiological processes which cause oliguria in response to acute hypovolaemia?

This viva tested knowledge of renal physiology and the pharmacology of diuretics. It discussed the functions of the kidney, GFR and factors that influence plasma creatinine.

This Viva tested knowledge of renal physiology and pharmacology. It began by asking what the normal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is and what the determinants of GFR are. It also explored knowledge of glomerular-tubular feedback, the counter current system and diuretics. Although most candidates had a good knowledge of GFR and its determinants, fewer were as confident to recall the actual values or to apply that physiology to scenarios like hypovolaemia. Some candidates struggled to explain the counter current mechanism, in particular the “multiplier” effect. Mechanism of action of diuretics was well answered.

This question will examine your knowledge of the functional anatomy and physiology of the Renal Circulation. Draw, and label, the structure of the Nephron, including the circulation. Most candidates had some level of knowledge of the renal circulation, but lacked depth in understanding how anatomy relates to function, blood oxygen tension within the kidney, autoregulation and graphically representing GFR and it’s determinates.

The initial information given to the candidates was – This question is about the anatomy of the nephron and its blood supply. Please draw a picture of a nephron and label it. This viva explored a candidates understanding of anatomy of the nephron, unique details of renal blood flow, macula densa, glomerular filtration rate and its determinants, generation of a concentrated urine.