These cells have a peculiar, unusual shape, which is different from that of other epithelial cells. Several primary processes branch from the central part (cell body), which contains a nucleus and the majority of organelles. In their turn, secondary processes branch from the primary ones at right angles; their terminal branches are foot processes called pedicels. Together with endothelial cells of glomerular capillaries and a mutual basement membrane podocytes participate in the formation of renal filtration barrier.