What is the name of the network of capillaries surrounded by Bowman's capsule?

The network of capillaries surrounded by Bowman's capsule is called the glomerulus. This structure is a crucial part of the renal system, specifically within the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. The glomerulus plays a vital role in the filtration of blood, allowing water, ions, and small molecules to pass through while keeping larger components, such as proteins and blood cells, in the bloodstream.

When blood flows into the glomerulus through the afferent arteriole, it undergoes filtration, where the filtered substances move into Bowman's capsule and subsequently into the renal tubule for further processing. This process is essential for the formation of urine and the regulation of body fluids, electrolytes, and waste products.

Understanding the glomerulus is fundamental to grasping how kidneys filter blood and maintain homeostasis in the body.