Physiology · Renal Physiology (GFR, Tubular Function, Acid-Base, Concentration)

A substance is freely filtered at the glomerulus. Its plasma concentration is 1 mg/mL, its urine concentration is 60 mg/mL, and the urine flow rate is 1 mL/min. If GFR is 120 mL/min, this substance is best characterized as:

  • A Freely filtered only, with no tubular secretion or reabsorption
  • B Filtered and secreted
  • C Protein-bound and not filtered
  • D Filtered and partially reabsorbed
Correct answer: D. Filtered and partially reabsorbed

Explanation

Filtered load = GFR × Plasma concentration = 120 × 1 = 120 mg/min. Excreted amount = Urine flow × Urine concentration = 1 × 60 = 60 mg/min. Since excreted < filtered, net tubular reabsorption has occurred. If excreted = filtered, no net transport; if excreted > filtered, net secretion is occurring. This pattern is similar to that of glucose under high-load conditions.

Reference: Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.

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