This is a filtering unit that encloses a network of 'leaky' capillaries called the glomerulus.
The walls of the Bowman's capsule are made from specialised epithelial cells called podocytes. Podocytes have finger-like extensions called pedicels that wrap around the capillaries and form slits to allow blood plasma from the glomerulus to pass through to the lumen of the Bowman's capsule.
A basement membrane creates a fine mesh of collagen and glycoproteins to ensure molecules with a relative molecular mass of greater than 69,000 do not get through.
The process of filtration that takes place in the Bowman's capsule is called ultrafiltration.
The walls of the Bowman's capsule are made from specialised epithelial cells called podocytes. Podocytes have finger-like extensions called pedicels that wrap around the capillaries and form slits to allow blood plasma from the glomerulus to pass through to the lumen of the Bowman's capsule.
A basement membrane creates a fine mesh of collagen and glycoproteins to ensure molecules with a relative molecular mass of greater than 69,000 do not get through.
The process of filtration that takes place in the Bowman's capsule is called ultrafiltration.