Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Single-channel Analysis and Calcium Imaging in the Podocytes of the Freshly Isolated Glomeruli
Published on: June 27, 2015
The fine structure of gill 'podocytes' in Panulirus argus (crustacea)
J Strangways-Dixon1, D S Smith
1Department of Zoology, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica.
Abstract:
A cell type structurally resembling the podocyte of the renal glomerulus is situated in the gill of the crustacean Panulirus argus. These cells adjoin the medial septum of the gill filament and invariably face the efferent haemolymph channel. The basal cell surface is produced into a series of regular ridges, between which are inserted elongated cell processes, together constituting a palisade that includes narrow slits (250 A or more in width) resembling the filtration pores between the foot process of the glomerular epithelium. In each instance, the slit is traversed by a diaphragm which in the crustacean 'podocyte' is ca. 30 A in width and contiguous with the outer leaflet of the unit membrane limiting the cell. Numerous coated vesicles originate from the cell surface beneath the diaphragms. The possible role of these cells in detoxification by withdrawal of materials from the circulation is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerular Filtration
Components of the Filtration Membrane
The filtration process involves three key layers: the glomerular endothelial cells, the basement membrane, and the podocyte-formed filtration slits.
Osmoregulation in Insects
Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts
Tight Junctions
Nephrons

