what two structures constitute the renal corpuscle?
What two structures constitute the renal corpuscle?
The renal corpuscle is a crucial component of the kidney and is responsible for the initial filtration of blood. It is composed of two main structures: the glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule.
-
Glomerulus: This is a network of small blood vessels called capillaries. The glomerulus receives blood from the afferent arteriole (which carries blood to the glomerulus) and passes it to the efferent arteriole (which carries blood away from the glomerulus). The high pressure in the capillaries of the glomerulus allows for the filtration of blood into the Bowman’s capsule.
-
Bowman’s Capsule: This cup-shaped structure surrounds the glomerulus. It collects the filtrate that is produced by the glomerulus and passes it into the renal tubule. The filtrate contains substances that need to be either reabsorbed or excreted from the body.
These two structures work together to carry out the vital function of ultrafiltration, which is the first step in the formation of urine and the elimination of waste products from the body.