Renal corpuscle

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Corpusculum renis)

Renal Corpuscle

The Renal Corpuscle is a crucial part of the nephron, the basic functional unit of the kidney. It is responsible for the initial filtration of blood to form urine. The renal corpuscle consists of two main structures: the glomerulus and the Bowman's capsule.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The renal corpuscle is located in the cortex of the kidney, and each renal corpuscle is connected to a renal tubule. The renal corpuscle is composed of a network of capillaries known as the glomerulus, which is surrounded by a cup-shaped sac called the Bowman's capsule.

Glomerulus[edit | edit source]

The glomerulus is a network of tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, where the filtration of blood takes place. The walls of the glomerulus allow small molecules, waste products, and fluid to pass into the Bowman's capsule, while larger molecules, such as proteins and blood cells, are prevented from passing through.

Bowman's Capsule[edit | edit source]

The Bowman's capsule surrounds the glomerulus. It collects the filtrate from the blood that has passed through the glomerulus. The inner layer of the Bowman's capsule is made up of specialized cells called podocytes, which have foot-like extensions that wrap around the capillaries of the glomerulus.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the renal corpuscle is to filter blood. Blood enters the glomerulus through the afferent arteriole and leaves through the efferent arteriole. The pressure causes water and solutes from the blood in the glomerulus to be filtered into the Bowman's capsule. This filtrate then moves into the renal tubule, where it is further processed to form urine.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Diseases and conditions that affect the renal corpuscle can lead to kidney disease. For example, glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli, and diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the kidneys. Both conditions can lead to chronic kidney disease if not properly managed.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Renal corpuscle Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD