The glomerulus is a tiny tuft of looping capillaries inside each nephron where blood is first filtered. Blood pressure pushes water and small molecules through a three-layered barrier of endothelium, basement membrane and podocyte foot processes. Blood cells and most proteins are held back.
| Location | Within the renal corpuscle in the renal cortex, held in the cup of the glomerular capsule |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Renal plexus (sympathetic, to the arterioles) |
| Blood Supply | Afferent arteriole; Efferent arteriole |
| Venous drainage |
|
Filters plasma to form the initial filtrate, about 180 litres a day, while keeping blood cells and large proteins in the circulation.
Damage to the glomerular barrier lets protein and red cells leak into the urine. A heavy protein leak with swelling is called nephrotic syndrome, while blood in the urine with high blood pressure and reduced function is called nephritic syndrome. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the main measure of kidney function and is used to stage chronic kidney disease.
Inflammation of the glomeruli, often immune-related, causing blood and protein in the urine and a fall in kidney function.
Thickening and scarring of the glomeruli from long-standing diabetes, starting with small amounts of protein in the urine.
Heavy protein loss through a leaky glomerular barrier, causing low blood albumin, swelling and high cholesterol.
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