How Does the Filtration Barrier at the Kidney Work?

  • Thread starter Thread starter sameeralord
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Barrier
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The filtration barrier at the kidney consists of three main components: the capillary endothelium, the basement membrane, and the podocytes. The basement membrane, while appearing thick, functions as a mesh of connective tissue fibers, allowing selective filtration through structures known as slit diaphragms, which are approximately 10 nm wide. These slit diaphragms facilitate the passage of blood plasma into the glomerular tuft while preventing larger molecules, such as viruses and cells, from entering. Podocytes, which do not divide and possess a high cholesterol content in their membranes, are crucial for maintaining the integrity of this filtration process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kidney anatomy and physiology
  • Knowledge of filtration mechanisms in biological systems
  • Familiarity with cell types, specifically podocytes
  • Basic concepts of fluid dynamics in biological contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the structure and function of the glomerular filtration barrier
  • Study the role of podocytes in kidney health and disease
  • Explore the implications of basement membrane composition on filtration efficiency
  • Learn about fluid dynamics in renal physiology and its impact on kidney function
USEFUL FOR

Students of biology, medical professionals, nephrologists, and anyone interested in renal physiology and the mechanisms of kidney filtration.

sameeralord
Messages
659
Reaction score
3
350px-Filtration_barrier.svg.png


Red-capillary Purple- Basement membrane Blue-podocyte

Hello everyone, Now my question is after something if filtered from the capillary how does it go to the podocyte. The basement membrane looks too thick with no pores to me, it seems to be blocking the passage of molecules. Thanks :smile:
 
Biology news on Phys.org
What do you mean, "go to the podocyte"?
 
The podocyte processes are separated in space, these are called "slit diaphragms" The size of these are about (IIRC) 10 nm wide, allowing transport of the blood plasma into the glomerular tuft. Again, AFAIK the slit diaphragms are too small to allow passage of viruses/bacteria/cells.

Podocytes are interesting cells- they don't divide (you are born with a full complement), and have a very high amount of cholesterol in the cell membrane, increasing the rigidity. The slit diaphragms are subject to enormous fluid stress- which you can very for yourself, given the size of the pore and the amount of fluid that passes (each kidney deals with about 150 L of fluid per day)
 
Basement membrane - think coffee filter - not barrier. It is a mesh of connective tissue fibres (collagen/elastin). PS nice diagram - where is it from?
 

Similar threads

Filtration fraction in aortic stenosis?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
How Do Molecules Pass Through Fenestrated Capillaries?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
12K
How does a urinary catheter work?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
Sensory adaptation, how exactly does this occur, also @mtc1973?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
8K
Graduate Barrier of Diffraction: Different Wavelengths, Same Color?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
How Does Solubility Influence Diffusion Rates?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Undergrad Fabry-Perot Interferometer mirrors
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Medical How does binocular vision work?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
16K
Downdraft table -blocking off part of table surface to increase flow?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
High School How Does an IEC Fusion Reactor Work?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K