Malpighian capsule

Malpighian Capsule

The Malpighian Capsule is a crucial component of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. Named after the Italian anatomist Marcello Malpighi, the Malpighian Capsule is also commonly referred to as the Bowman's Capsule.

Structure

The Malpighian Capsule is a cup-like sac at the beginning of the tubular component of a nephron. It encloses the glomerulus, a network of capillaries that perform the first step in the filtration of blood to form urine.

Function

The primary function of the Malpighian Capsule is to filter blood. The blood pressure forces plasma to filter through the walls of the glomerulus into the interior of the Malpighian Capsule. This filtrate, known as the glomerular filtrate, contains water, glucose, salts, and urea, but not proteins or cells.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Malpighian Capsule can lead to various kidney diseases. For instance, glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli that can be caused by infections, drugs, or congenital abnormalities. This condition can lead to the leakage of blood or protein into the urine.

See Also

• Nephron
• Kidney
• Marcello Malpighi
• Glomerulus
• Glomerulonephritis