Glomerular nephritis

Glomerular capillary is a type of capillary found in the kidney. It is a part of the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels located at the beginning of a nephron in the kidney. The glomerular capillary plays a crucial role in the process of urine formation.

Structure

The glomerular capillary is a part of the glomerulus, which is a tuft of capillaries located in the Bowman's capsule of the kidney. The capillaries are fenestrated, meaning they have small pores that allow the passage of small molecules. The walls of the glomerular capillaries are composed of a single layer of endothelial cells, which are covered by a thin layer of basement membrane and a layer of podocytes.

Function

The primary function of the glomerular capillary is to filter blood. The blood enters the glomerulus through the afferent arteriole and leaves through the efferent arteriole. The pressure in the glomerular capillaries forces water, glucose, amino acids, and urea out of the blood and into the Bowman's capsule. This process is known as glomerular filtration.

The glomerular capillary also plays a role in maintaining blood pressure. The diameter of the afferent and efferent arterioles can be adjusted to increase or decrease blood pressure in the glomerulus, thereby regulating the rate of glomerular filtration.

Clinical significance

Damage to the glomerular capillaries can lead to various kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis and glomerulosclerosis. These conditions can cause proteinuria, hematuria, and eventually, kidney failure.