Glomerulus · Histology

Which specific layer of the glomerular basement membrane is particularly rich in heparan sulfate, providing a negative charge to repel plasma proteins?

  1. Lamina densa and rara interna
  2. Lamina densa and rara externa
  3. All three GBM layers contribute equally
  4. Lamina rara interna and externa
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Correct answer: Lamina rara interna and externa

The lamina rara layers (interna and externa) contain glycosaminoglycans like heparan sulfate. These polyanionic molecules create a charge barrier that electrostatically repels negatively charged proteins like albumin.

Difficulty: Medium Question 3 of 20

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