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Renal Corpuscle, in renal cortex

The cortex of the kidney is distinguished by characteristic renal corpuscles, each of which consists of an outer envelope of simple squamous epithelium (Bowman's capsule) surrounding a fluid-filled space (Bowman's space) within which is suspended a glomerulus (glom).  

In this image, Bowman's space may be seen opening into the beginning of a proximal tubule (arrowhead) at the urinary pole

Although the glomerulus in this image clearly contains many cells with varied appearances, their individual identities as endothelial cells, podocytes, or mesangial cells are difficult to determine reliably on relatively thick-sectioned specimens such as this.

The bulk of the cortex consists of convoluted tubules.  Cells comprising proximal tubules (p) stain more intensely eosinophilic than those comprising distal tubules (d).  The lumens of distal tubules (d) commonly appear more open and clear than those of proximal tubules (p).

Because the proximal convoluted tubule of each nephron is considerably longer than the associated distal convoluted tubule, a typical section of the renal cortex includes many more profiles of proximal tubules than of distal tubules.

 

RENAL IMAGE INDEX


Comments and questions: dgking@siu.edu

SIUC / School of Medicine / Anatomy / David King

https://histology.siu.edu/crr/RN002b.htm
Last updated:  29 May 2022 / dgk