Question

How does the structure of the visceral layer of the glomerular capsule fit its function.
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Answer 1

Question: How does the structure of the visceral layer of the glomerular capsule fit its function?

Answer: The Bowman's capsule (glomerular capsule) of the nephron is a cup-like structure that encloses the glomerulus. Filtration process of blood to form urine begins at this structure. It consists of an outer layer composed of squamous epithelium called the parietal layer. It rests on a thin basal membrane (basal lamina). The inside layer is called the visceral layer, and it is composed of specialized cells called podocytes. Glomerular capillaries lie beneath the visceral layer. The podocytes have long extending processes called pedicels (feet) that adhere to the basement membrane covering the endothelium of glomerular capillaries. These countless foot projections of podocytes form a network of small slits between them called filtration slits. Blood is filtered through these slits, and they allow the passage of small molecules such as water, glucose, and ionic salts. Also, the endothelial cells of capillaries have a negative charge (shield of negativity), due to that they prevent the passage of other plasma proteins from the blood. Thus the filtration barrier formed by these layers together with the basement membrane and the glomerular endothelium filters the blood and forms an ultrafiltrate. As a result, these podocytes are playing an important role in the regulation of glomerular filtration rate.