Bowman’s capsule

Definition

Bowman's capsule is a cup-like sac at the beginning of the nephron in the kidney that performs the first step in filtration of blood. It encloses the glomerulus and captures filtrate from it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bowman's capsule is part of the renal corpuscle, which also includes the glomerulus.
2. The primary function of Bowman's capsule is to filter blood to form urine.
3. It captures a filtrate that includes water, glucose, salts, and urea but excludes larger molecules like proteins and cells.
4. The space inside Bowman's capsule where filtrate collects is known as Bowman's space or urinary space.
5. Hydrostatic pressure in glomerular capillaries drives filtration into Bowman's capsule.

Review Questions

• What are the main components of the renal corpuscle?
• What substances are typically found in the filtrate collected by Bowman's capsule?
• How does hydrostatic pressure influence filtration in Bowman's capsule?

Related terms

Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Glomerulus: A network of capillaries located within Bowman's capsule that performs the initial filtration of blood.

Renal Corpuscle: A structure composed of Bowman's capsule and the glomerulus; it marks the beginning of urine formation.