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Multiple Choice
What type of cells make up the visceral layer of the glomerular capillaries?
A
Fibroblasts
B
Podocytes
C
Mesangial cells
D
Endothelial cells
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of the glomerulus in the kidney, which is a network of capillaries involved in the filtration of blood to form urine.
Identify the layers of the glomerular capillaries: the visceral layer and the parietal layer. The visceral layer is in direct contact with the capillaries.
Recognize that the visceral layer of the glomerular capillaries is composed of specialized cells known as podocytes.
Podocytes have foot-like extensions called pedicels that wrap around the capillaries, forming filtration slits crucial for the kidney's filtering function.
Differentiate podocytes from other cell types in the glomerulus, such as endothelial cells (lining the capillaries), mesangial cells (providing structural support), and fibroblasts (involved in connective tissue formation).