The juxtaglomerular complex, also known as the juxtaglomerular apparatus, is a specialized structure located in the kidney, specifically where the distal convoluted tubule contacts the afferent arterioles of the glomerulus. It is composed of three main components: juxtaglomerular cells, macula densa cells, and extraglomerular mesangial cells. This complex plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate by sensing sodium chloride levels and releasing renin, which is involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
The juxtamedullary complex is also called the juxtaglomerular capsule, and it functions in the kidneys to do filtration. Another name for it is the Bowman's capsule.
juxtaglomerular apparatus
The juxtaglomerular complex consists of three main components: the juxtaglomerular (JG) cells, the macula densa, and the extraglomerular mesangial cells. The JG cells are specialized smooth muscle cells located in the walls of the afferent arterioles that secrete renin. The macula densa is a group of epithelial cells in the distal convoluted tubule that monitors sodium chloride concentration and regulates glomerular filtration rate. The extraglomerular mesangial cells provide structural support and facilitate communication between the JG cells and the macula densa.
Renin is the enzyme secreted by the juxtaglomerular apparatus.
One way the kidney increases systemic blood pressure is to increase secretion of renin by the juxtaglomerular complex.
Renin
juxtaglomerular apparatus
Juxtaglomerular apparatus
The juxtaglomerular apparatus is a specialized structure found in the kidney that regulates blood pressure and kidney function. It consists of the macula densa, juxtaglomerular cells, and extraglomerular mesangial cells, which work together to control the release of renin and the constriction of blood vessels.
Juxtaglomerular apparatus
juxtaglomerular apparatus
Renin is the enzyme released by juxtaglomerular cells. It plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.