Podocytes
Podocytes
Podocytes (pronunciation: /poʊˈdoʊ.saɪts/) are specialized cells in the kidney that wrap around capillaries of the glomerulus. The term "podocyte" is derived from the Greek words "podos" meaning foot and "kytos" meaning cell, referring to the foot-like projections of these cells.
Structure
Podocytes are characterized by their unique structure, which includes a cell body, major processes, and foot processes or pedicels. The foot processes of adjacent podocytes interdigitate, forming a filtration barrier together with the endothelial cells and basement membrane.
Function
Podocytes play a crucial role in the glomerular filtration process, which is the first step in the formation of urine. They prevent the passage of large molecules, such as proteins, from the blood into the urine.
Clinical significance
Damage to podocytes can lead to proteinuria, a condition characterized by an excessive amount of protein in the urine. This is often a sign of kidney disease, such as glomerulonephritis or diabetic nephropathy.
Related terms
- Glomerulus: A network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney where the filtration of blood occurs.
- Endothelial cells: Cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels.
- Basement membrane: A thin, fibrous, extracellular matrix that separates the podocytes from the endothelial cells of the glomerulus.
- Pedicels: The foot-like projections of podocytes.
- Proteinuria: A condition characterized by an excessive amount of protein in the urine.
- Glomerulonephritis: A type of kidney disease in which the part of your kidneys that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged.
- Diabetic nephropathy: Kidney disease that results from diabetes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Podocytes
- Wikipedia's article - Podocytes
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