glomerular visceral epithelium

The inner (visceral) layer of the renal glomerular capsule, overlying the capillaries, composed of podocytes, and separated from the outer (parietal) layer by the capsular (Bowman's) space[BTO]. This epithelial layer is superficially adjacent to the thickened glomerular basement membrane and is made of podocytes. Beneath the visceral layer lie the glomerular capillaries[WP]. This inner epithelial layer of the glomerular capsule surrounds the capillary endothelial cells and is composed of highly specialized epithelial cells (podocytes) that are separated by filtration slits; the inner visceral layer is separated from the outer parietal layer by the urinary space (also known as the Bowman's or capsular space)[MP].