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).
Historical note: Bowman's capsule and Bowman's space are both named after William Bowman (b. 1816).
In this image, cuboidal epithelium at the beginning of the proximal tubule forms the left side of the corpuscle, immediately adjacent to Bowman's space.
An afferent arteriole may be seen at the vascular pole of the corpuscle, leading into the glomerulus. (For higher magnification, click thumbnail at left.)
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 a relatively thick-sectioned specimen 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 associated with each nephron is considerably longer than the distal convoluted tubule, a typical section of the renal cortex includes many more profiles of proximal tubules than of distal tubules.
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https://histology.siu.edu/crr/RN038b.htm
Last updated: 22 October 2022 / dgk