glomerulusz

The glomerulus is a tiny network of capillaries located in the kidney. It is the primary site for the filtration of blood and the initial step in the formation of urine. Each kidney contains approximately one million glomeruli, which collectively are responsible for filtering a large volume of blood daily.

Blood enters the glomerulus through an afferent arteriole and leaves through an efferent arteriole. The capillary walls of the glomerulus are specialized for filtration, featuring pores that allow small molecules like water, salts, glucose, and urea to pass through while retaining larger components such as blood cells and proteins. This filtration process is driven by hydrostatic pressure within the glomerular capillaries.

The filtered fluid, known as glomerular filtrate, then enters Bowman's capsule, a cup-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus. From Bowman's capsule, the filtrate moves into the renal tubules, where further reabsorption of useful substances and secretion of waste products occur, ultimately leading to the formation of urine. The glomerulus plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance and removing metabolic waste products from the blood.