Renal Corpuscle
The renal corpuscle is a key structure in the kidney responsible for filtering blood. It consists of two main parts: the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels, and the Bowman's capsule, a cup-like structure that surrounds the glomerulus. Together, they initiate the process of urine formation by filtering out waste products and excess substances from the blood.
In the renal corpuscle, blood pressure forces water, ions, and small molecules from the glomerulus into the Bowman's capsule. This filtered fluid, known as glomerular filtrate, then moves into the renal tubules for further processing. The renal corpuscle plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.