Definition

1. 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

1. thin double membrane surrounding the glomerulus of a nephron