Bowmans capsule/Glomerulus

Question 1

Define the Bowman’s capsule

Answer 1

initial part of the nephron that surrounds the glomerulus—a tuft of capillaries—and functions to collect the ultrafiltrate of plasma that passes through the glomerular filtration barrier.

Question 2

What are the layers of the Bowmans capsule

Answer 2

Visceral layer: Composed of specialized epithelial cells called podocytes that cover the glomerular capillaries.

Parietal layer: A simple squamous epithelium forming the outer wall.

The capsular (Bowman’s) space lies between these layers and receives the filtered fluid (filtrate).

Question 3

What complications can occur with damage to Bowman’s capsule

Answer 3

Disruption of Bowman’s capsule or the filtration barrier can lead to proteinuria or heamaturia, as seen in glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome.

Question 4

What are podocytes

Answer 4

They surround the glomerular capillaries and interdigitate to form filtration slits along the capillary wall

Question 5

What is the overall structure of the glomerular capillaries

Answer 5

Supplied by afferent and drained by efferent.
Afferent diameter > efferent

Question 6

What is the role of mesangial cells

Answer 6

Are contractile and lie between two capillary cells and play a role in regulation of glomerular flow and filtration.
Also secrete extracellular matrix , take up immune complexes and play a role in progression of glomerular disease

Question 7

What factors cause contraction of mesangial cells

Answer 7

Angiotensin II - main
Endothelins
Vasopressin
Norepinephrin
Platelet activating factor
Platelet derived growth factor
Thromboxane A2
PGF2
Leukotrienes
Histamine

Question 8

What factors relax the mesangial cells

Answer 8

ANP
Dopamine
PGE2
cAMP