Filtration slits

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Filtration slits (pronunciation: /fɪlˈtreɪʃən slɪts/) are specialized structures in the kidney that play a crucial role in the process of urine formation. They are part of the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney where the filtration of blood takes place.

Etymology

The term "filtration slits" is derived from the English words "filtration", which refers to the process of filtering, and "slits", which means narrow openings.

Function

Filtration slits are narrow gaps between the podocytes, specialized cells that wrap around the capillaries of the glomerulus. These slits act as a filter, allowing small molecules such as water, glucose, and ions to pass into the Bowman's capsule, while preventing larger molecules like proteins and blood cells from passing through.

Related Terms

  • Podocytes: Specialized cells in the kidney that form the filtration slits.
  • Glomerulus: A network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney where blood filtration occurs.
  • Bowman's capsule: A cup-like sac at the beginning of the tubular component of a nephron in the mammalian kidney that performs the first step in the filtration of blood to form urine.

See Also

External links

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