Quick Facts
The glomerular capsule is the double-walled globular dilatation that forms the beginning of a renal tubule and surrounds the glomerulus; the inner wall is called the visceral layer and the outer wall is called the parietal layer (Dorland, 2011).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure and/or Key Feature(s)
The glomerular capsule is described as a membranous, double walled capsule that forms an invaginated sphere around the glomerulus. It is the dilated proximal portion of the renal tubule.
The glomerular capsule is comprised of a thin, specialized layer of epithelial cells, an outer parietal layer, and an inner visceral layer. The inner visceral layer turns back at the vascular pole and forms the outer parietal layer. The outer parietal layer, composed of simple squamous epithelium, is continuous with the cuboidal cells of the renal tubule.
The inner visceral layer is composed of specialized epithelial cells, called podocytes. Podocytes are distinct cells characterized by their foot processes, known as pedicels. Pedicels of adjacent podocytes interdigitate to form filtration slits.
Between the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, there is a space known as Bowman’s space. This space is continuous with the proximal convoluted tubule.
Anatomical Relations
The glomerular capsule is a dilated continuation of the proximal renal tubule that surrounds and forms an invaginated sphere around the glomerulus.
Function
The glomerular capsule is the first portion of the renal tubule that receives filtrate from the glomerulus.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Glomerular Disease
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
