Filtration slits

Definition

Filtration slits are narrow gaps between the podocytes in the glomerulus of the kidney, acting as a barrier that allows the passage of water and small molecules into the Bowman's capsule while blocking larger molecules like proteins. These structures play a critical role in the kidney's ability to filter blood and form urine.

Related terms

Podocytes: Specialized cells in the glomerulus of the kidney that wrap around capillaries and form filtration slits.

Glomerulus: A network of capillaries located at the beginning of a nephron in the kidney where blood filtration begins.

Bowman's Capsule: A cup-like sac at the beginning of a tubular component of a nephron in the kidney that performs the first step in filtering blood to form urine