slit diaphragm

slit diaphragm,

a thin membrane that spans the slit pore of the renal glomerulus.

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diaphragm

1. the musculomembranous partition separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities. On its sides, it is attached to the caudal ribs; ventrally to the sternum; at the back, to the spine. The esophagus, the aorta and vena cava, and nerves pass through the diaphragm. When relaxed, the diaphragm is convex but it flattens and moves caudally as it contracts during inhalation, thereby enlarging the chest cavity and allowing for expansion of the lungs. See also respiration.

2. any separating membrane or structure.

3. a disk with one or more openings or with an adjustable opening, mounted in relation to a lens, by which part of the light may be excluded from the area.

See also diaphragmatic.

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Potter-Bucky diaphragm

see Potter-Bucky grid.

lightbeam diaphragm

an adjustable diaphragm which is used to cone down a light beam that indicates the dimensions of an x-ray beam and marks the position of the central ray.

pelvic diaphragm

the portion of the caudal wall of the pelvis formed by the coccygeus muscles, the levator ani muscles and fascia.

slit diaphragm

see filtration membrane.

urogenital diaphragm

the musculomembranous layer superficial to the pelvic diaphragm, extending between the ischiopubic rami and surrounding the urogenital ducts.