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AnatomyAbdomenKidneys and uretersJuxtaglomerular apparatus
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AnatomyAbdomenKidneys and uretersJuxtaglomerular apparatus

Juxtaglomerular apparatus

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: April 15, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Kidney histology [33:48]
Have a thorough look at the microscopic structure of the kidney and its cell types.
Juxtaglomerular apparatus
Complexus juxtaglomerularis
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Synonyms: Juxtaglomerular complex

The juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA), also referred to as the juxtaglomerular complex, is a specialized region of the nephron formed by three different types of cells: macula densa, juxtaglomerular granular, and extraglomerular mesangial (Lacis) cells. The tightly packed macula densa is situated at the transition between the ascending limb of the nephron loop and the distal tubule, where it comes into contact with the juxtaglomerular granular cells, which are modified smooth muscle cells in the afferent (and sometimes efferent) arteriole. Enclosed in the triangular space between the afferent and efferent arteriole and the macula densa of the distal tubule are the extraglomerular mesangial cells. 

The JGA functions to regulate systemic blood pressure and glomerular blood flow and filtration rate.

Terminology English: Juxtaglomerular aparatus
Latin: Complexus juxtaglomerularis
Definition Region of the nephron formed by the macula densa, juxtoglomerular granular cells and extraglomerular mesangial cells 
Function Regulates blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate

Learn more about the histology of the kidneys with this study unit (and article):

Kidney Explore study unit
Kidney histology Read article

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Amerman, E. (2015). Human Anatomy and Physiology (global ed.). England: Pearson Education Limited.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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