Juxtaglomerular cell

Juxtaglomerular cells (pronunciation: juks-ta-glo-mer-u-lar cells) are specialized cells found in the kidney that play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

Etymology

The term "juxtaglomerular" is derived from the Latin words "juxta," meaning "near," and "glomerulus," referring to the network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney. Thus, "juxtaglomerular" literally means "near the glomerulus."

Function

Juxtaglomerular cells are located in the juxtaglomerular apparatus, a structure in the kidney that regulates the function of each nephron, the functional units of the kidney. These cells are responsible for the production, storage, and release of renin, an enzyme that plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone system that helps regulate long-term blood pressure and blood volume in the body.

Related Terms

Renin: An enzyme produced and released by juxtaglomerular cells.
Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney, each containing a juxtaglomerular apparatus.
Juxtaglomerular apparatus: A structure in the kidney that regulates the function of each nephron.
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: A hormone system that helps regulate long-term blood pressure and blood volume in the body.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Juxtaglomerular cell
Wikipedia's article - Juxtaglomerular cell

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Juxtaglomerular cell