A spinnerette head for the extrusion of synthetic polymer fibers incorporates an extended area filter having a base with porous tubular filter elements extending from the base. The base is clamped and sealed between an inlet head and elements including a spinnerette disk containing extrusion apertures so that the tubular filter elements extend into a central cavity in the inlet head. At least the edge of the base plate is unwetted by the polymer and is available to be used to remove the extended area filter when the spinnerette head is disassembled for maintenance purposes.