GLOMERULAR CAPSULE Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "glomerular capsule" refers to a specific anatomical structure found in the nephrons of the kidneys, which is responsible for the initial filtration of blood to produce urine.
Also known as Bowman's capsule, the glomerular capsule is situated in the renal corpuscle, which is the first part of the nephron. It consists of two layers: an outer parietal layer composed of simple squamous epithelium and an inner visceral layer, which is made up of specialized cells called podocytes. The visceral layer closely envelopes the capillaries of the glomerulus, forming a filtration barrier.
The function of the glomerular capsule is to collect the filtrate produced by the glomerulus. As blood passes through the glomerulus, a high pressure gradient forces fluid and solute molecules out of the capillaries and into the capsule. The fluid and solutes that enter the glomerular capsule are collectively referred to as the glomerular filtrate. The process of filtration in the glomerular capsule is the first step in urine formation.
The glomerular filtrate then continues its journey through the rest of the nephron, where it undergoes reabsorption and secretion to maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. The glomerular capsule, therefore, plays a crucial role in the overall function of the kidneys and the excretion of waste products from the body.
Common Misspellings for GLOMERULAR CAPSULE
- flomerular capsule
- vlomerular capsule
- blomerular capsule
- hlomerular capsule
- ylomerular capsule
- tlomerular capsule
- gkomerular capsule
- gpomerular capsule
- goomerular capsule
- glimerular capsule
- glkmerular capsule
- gllmerular capsule
- glpmerular capsule
- gl0merular capsule
- gl9merular capsule
- glonerular capsule
- glokerular capsule
- glojerular capsule
- glomwrular capsule
Etymology of GLOMERULAR CAPSULE
The word "glomerular capsule" is derived from Latin and has its roots in two main components: "glomerulus" and "capsule".
1. Glomerulus: The term "glomerulus" comes from the Latin word "glomus", which means a ball or a ball of yarn. In anatomy, the glomerulus refers to a small network or cluster of blood vessels found in the renal corpuscle (part of the nephron) within the kidney. It has a ball-like appearance due to its coiled structure.
2. Capsule: The word "capsule" originates from the Latin term "capsula", meaning a small case or container. It is used in various contexts to refer to something that encloses or surrounds another structure. In the case of the glomerular capsule, it refers to the cup-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus.
