glomerular capsule
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A thin, double-layered membrane enclosing a glomerulus in a nephron: The glomerular capsule is the cup-like structure at the beginning of a nephron in the kidney that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate from the blood.
Usage
- The term "glomerular capsule" is used specifically in human anatomy and physiology, particularly in the context of the renal (kidney) system. It is a technical term.
- It is often discussed in relation to the process of blood filtration and urine formation.
Examples
- Noun:
- The filtrate from the blood passes from the glomerulus into the space within the glomerular capsule.
- The glomerular capsule is also known as Bowman's capsule.
Advanced Usage
- Histological description: In microscopic anatomy, the glomerular capsule is described as having an inner visceral layer (composed of podocytes) and an outer parietal layer.
- The visceral layer of the glomerular capsule is intimately associated with the glomerular capillaries.
Variants and Related Words
- Bowman's capsule: This is a complete synonym for "glomerular capsule." The two terms are used interchangeably in medical and biological texts.
- Capsule: In a general anatomical sense, a capsule is a fibrous or membranous envelope surrounding an organ or structure.
- Glomerulus: The network of capillaries enclosed by the glomerular capsule.
Synonyms
- Bowman's capsule: The most common and direct synonym.
Related Phrases
- Renal corpuscle: This term refers to the functional unit consisting of both the glomerulus and the surrounding glomerular (Bowman's) capsule.
- The renal corpuscle, comprising the glomerulus and glomerular capsule, is the site of initial blood filtration.
Noun
- thin double membrane surrounding the glomerulus of a nephron