Juxtaglomerular cell

Definition

Juxtaglomerular cells are specialized smooth muscle cells located in the walls of the afferent arterioles that supply blood to the glomerulus in the kidneys. These cells play a critical role in regulating blood pressure by releasing renin, an enzyme that influences blood vessel constriction and sodium balance.

Related terms

Glomerulus: The filtering unit of the kidney where blood plasma is filtered into urine precursors.

Renin:

An enzyme released by juxtaglomerular cells that initiates a cascade effect vital for controlling blood pressure.

Afferent arteriole: The small artery that carries blood toward the capillaries of the glomerulus in the kidney