Pedicels

Definition

Pedicels are tiny, finger-like projections on the podocytes in the Bowman's capsule within the kidneys that play a crucial role in filtering blood. They wrap around the capillaries of the glomerulus, forming filtration slits that allow certain substances to pass while blocking others based on size and charge.

Related terms

Podocytes: Specialized cells in the Bowman's capsule with extensions called foot processes or pedicels that are essential for ultrafiltration in the kidney.

Glomerulus: A network of capillaries located within the Bowman's capsule where blood filtration begins in the kidney.

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.