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Kidney podocyte cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of podocyte cells on the surface of a kidney glomerulus. Podocytes possess branching, foot-like processes (red/brown). The processes from adjacent podocytes interweave, forming narrow slits that cover the glomerular membrane. The glomerulus is a tight ball of capillaries (small blood vessels) that filters the blood. Fluid is filtered from the blood as it passes through the slits formed by the podocytes into the cavity of the surrounding Bowman's capsule (not seen). After the reabsorption of certain substances, the fluid is transported to the bladder as urine. Magnification unknown. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/STEVE GSCHMEISSNER)