Glomerular disorders primarily affect which part of the kidney?

Glomerular disorders primarily affect the glomeruli, which are the tiny clusters of blood vessels located within the nephrons of the kidneys. The glomeruli serve a crucial role in the kidney’s function of filtering blood, where they allow for the passage of water, electrolytes, and small molecules while retaining larger molecules like proteins and blood cells. When these structures are damaged or diseased, it can lead to various symptoms and complications, such as proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), hematuria (blood in urine), and impaired kidney function.

Conditions such as glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and minimal change disease are examples of glomerular disorders that directly target these filtration units, resulting in compromised kidney function and the potential for chronic kidney disease if left untreated. The other parts of the kidney, such as the renal tubules, ureters, and pelvis, have distinct functions and disorders that do not primarily originate from glomerular impairment.