🩺 Understanding the Cross-Section of Glomerulus A
The glomerulus is a critical structure within the kidney's nephron, responsible for the initial step of filtering blood to form urine. The diagram above represents a cross-section of Glomerulus A, highlighting the intricate arrangement of cells and layers that work together to perform filtration effectively.
🧠 Key Structures in the Cross-Section
Cross-Section of Glomerulus A — Structure and Function Table
| Structure | Function |
|---|---|
| Afferent arteriole | Brings blood into the glomerulus for filtration. |
| Efferent arteriole | Carries filtered blood away, maintaining pressure for filtration. |
| Parietal layer of Bowman’s capsule | Outer capsule layer providing structural support. |
| Podocytes (visceral layer) | Specialized cells that form filtration slits around capillaries. |
| Basement membrane | Primary filtration barrier between blood and filtrate. |
| Mesangial cells | Provide support and regulate available filtration surface area. |
| Endothelial cells | Fenestrated lining of capillaries that permits plasma filtration. |
| Juxtaglomerular cells | Secrete renin to help regulate blood pressure. |
| Macula densa | Senses tubular Na⁺ and modulates renin release. |
| Distal convoluted tubule | Fine-tunes ion and water reabsorption. |
🔍 How Filtration Works
The filtration process starts when blood enters the glomerulus via the afferent arteriole. High pressure forces plasma and small molecules through:
Fenestrated endothelial cells
Basement membrane
Filtration slits between podocyte foot processes
This results in filtrate entering Bowman’s space, while larger molecules and blood cells remain in circulation and exit through the efferent arteriole.
⚕️ Clinical Relevance
Diabetic nephropathy damages the basement membrane, reducing filtration efficiency.
Glomerulonephritis involves inflammation of glomerular components, impairing kidney function.
Hypertension can alter the structure of arterioles, impacting filtration pressure.
📌 Quick Mnemonic for Layers of the Filtration Barrier
"Endo-Base-Podo"
Endothelial cells
Basement membrane
Podocytes
📢 Call to Action
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