This painting intricately depicts the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) within the kidney’s glomerulus, symbolized by a delicate rose. Here, the GFB acts as nature’s filter, selectively allowing ions, water, glucose, and other essential substances to pass through from the afferent arteriole (left petal). The barrier consists of endothelial cells represented in purple, a basement membrane, and tubular cells depicted as the yellow stem of the rose.
As the filtration process unfolds, red blood cells, platelets, albumin, and large proteins are retained and exit via the efferent arteriole (right petal). This artwork beautifully captures the intricate balance of selective filtration in renal function, blending scientific detail with artistic interpretation. It offers a poetic visualization of the kidney’s vital role in maintaining physiological balance and filtering waste from the bloodstream.
