glomerulus, little ball
The glomerulus is a small ball-like structure located in the kidneys, specifically in the renal cortex
The glomerulus is a small ball-like structure located in the kidneys, specifically in the renal cortex. It plays a crucial role in the process of urine formation within the nephrons of the kidney.
The glomerulus is composed of a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. These capillaries are surrounded by specialized cells called podocytes, which have finger-like projections called foot processes. These foot processes form a filtration barrier known as the glomerular basement membrane.
When blood enters the glomerulus, it is under high pressure due to the small diameter of the incoming and outgoing blood vessels. This high pressure forces fluid and small molecules, such as water, electrolytes, and waste products, to be filtered out of the blood into the space within the glomerular capsule (also called Bowman’s capsule) that surrounds the glomerulus.
This filtered fluid is called the glomerular filtrate and contains water, nutrients, waste products, and some ions. The glomerular filtrate then continues through the renal tubules, where reabsorption and secretion take place to selectively regulate the composition of the final urine.
The glomerulus acts as a crucial filtration unit within the kidney, allowing for the removal of waste products from the blood while preserving necessary substances. Its unique structure and specialized cells play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and excreting waste products from the body.
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