What structure is located between the endothelium and the podocytes in the filtration membrane?

The structure situated between the endothelium and the podocytes in the filtration membrane is the basal lamina. The basal lamina is a thin layer of extracellular matrix that plays a critical role in kidney function, specifically in the process of filtration that occurs in the glomerulus. It serves as a selective barrier, allowing water and small solutes to pass through while preventing larger molecules such as proteins from entering the urine.

The endothelium consists of fenestrated capillaries, which allow for increased permeability, while podocytes are specialized cells with foot-like projections that interlock and create filtration slits. However, it is the basal lamina that acts as the supportive structure between these two layers, contributing to the overall integrity of the filtration barrier. Understanding this relationship is key in comprehending how the filtration process functions within the nephron.