Quick Facts
Peritubular capillaries are any of the capillaries around the proximal and distal convoluted tubules of the kidney (Dorland, 2011).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure and/or Key Features
Peritubular capillaries arise from efferent arterioles of cortical glomeruli. This plexus of capillaries surrounds the renal tubules, specifically the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, in the cortex. The venous ends of the capillary plexuses then converge to form interlobular veins (Liao & Madersbacher, 2019).
Function
The capillaries of the peritubular capillaries are responsible for the reabsorption of ions and minerals into the bloodstream. These include substances such as glucose or amino acids. Exchange through these capillaries occurs due to chemical gradient osmosis and hydrostatic pressure (Pocock et al, 2013).
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
Liao, L. & Madersbacher, H. (2019) Neurourology: Theory and PracticeSpringer Netherlands.
Pocock, G., Richards, C. D. & Richards, D. A. (2013) Human Physiology, 4 edition. OUP Oxford.
