Podocytes are cells present in the

(a) Cortex of nephron

(b) The inner wall of bowman’s capsule

(c) The outer wall of bowman’s capsule

(d) Well of glomerular capillaries

• Podocytes are specialized cells located in the inner wall of the Bowman’s capsule within the nephrons of the kidney.
• Their foot-like extensions, called pedicels, wrap around the capillaries of the glomerulus and form filtration slits, which are essential for ultrafiltration.
• Numerous coated vesicles and coated pits are present at the base of podocytes, indicating a high level of vesicular transport.
• Podocytes contain a well-developed endoplasmic reticulum and a large Golgi apparatus, suggesting a strong capacity for protein synthesis and post-translational modification.
• They also have abundant lysosomal components, which point to a high rate of endocytic activity.

Functions of Podocytes

1. Increase surface area of the Bowman’s capsule through pedicels, enabling efficient ultrafiltration.
2. Secrete and maintain the basement membrane.
3. Regulate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), ensuring proper kidney function.

Hence, the correct answer is “The inner wall of bowman’s capsule”.