Glomerular

Glomerular is a term that refers to the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney that filters waste products from the blood. The glomerulus is a crucial part of the nephron, the basic functional unit of the kidney.

Function

The primary function of the glomerulus is to filter waste products and excess substances from the blood. This filtration process is the first step in the formation of urine. The filtered substances include urea, creatinine, and various electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. The glomerulus also prevents the filtration of larger substances such as proteins and blood cells.

Structure

The glomerulus is composed of a network of capillaries that are surrounded by a double-layered capsule, known as the Bowman's capsule. The inner layer of the capsule is made up of specialized cells called podocytes, which have foot-like extensions that wrap around the capillaries. The space between the capillaries and the capsule is known as the urinary space, where the filtered substances collect before moving into the renal tubule.

Diseases

Diseases that affect the glomerulus can lead to serious kidney conditions. These include glomerulonephritis, a type of kidney inflammation, and glomerulosclerosis, a condition that involves scarring of the glomeruli. Both conditions can lead to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease if not properly managed.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of glomerular diseases often involves urine tests, blood tests, and sometimes a kidney biopsy. Treatment typically involves medications to control the underlying cause of the disease, manage symptoms, and prevent further kidney damage. In severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.

See Also

• Kidney
• Nephron
• Urine
• Chronic kidney disease
• End-stage renal disease

Glomerular Resources
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