Within which range of mean arterial pressure does renal autoregulation keep renal blood flow and GFR nearly constant?

• A 50 to 100 mmHg
• B 60 to 140 mmHg
• C 100 to 250 mmHg
• D 80 to 180 mmHg ✓

Explanation

Between mean arterial pressures of about 80 and 180 mmHg, intrinsic myogenic contraction of afferent arteriolar smooth muscle plus tubuloglomerular feedback hold renal blood flow and GFR nearly constant. Below roughly 80 mmHg the vessels are maximally dilated and flow becomes pressure dependent, which is why significant hypotension rapidly drops GFR. Above 180 mmHg autoregulation fails and rising pressure transmits to the glomerular capillary.

Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.