functions

[opuntia]

What's the function/s of the following:
_renin granules in the juxtaglomerular cells
_macula densa
_podocytes

[victor]

Renin granules: from the words I think that it's enzyme needed to coagulate milk become lactic acid and caseine.

[opuntia]

But that's not the function it has in the juxtaglomerular cells [atleast i think]

[victor]

Um, let me see...is the juxtaglmerular cells located in the kidney???what I know is juxtamedulla nephrons..

[opuntia]

is the juxtaglmerular cells located in the kidney???

Yes that's where they are found.

[clarence]

What's the function/s of the following:
_renin granules in the juxtaglomerular cells
_macula densa
_podocytes

Renin

When blood volume falls or blood flow to the kidneys decreases, juxtaglomerular cells secrete renin into the bloodsteam. In sequence, renin and angiotensin converting enzyme act on their substrates to produce the active hormone angiotensin II, which raises blood pressure by 1) vasoconstriction and 2) stimulating aldosterone release. Aldosterone increases reabsorption of Na+ and water by the kidneys, hence increasing blood volume and blood pressure. This whole process, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is one of the several processes that helps regulate blood pressure and blood flow of the body by altering cardiac output, changing systemic vascular resistance or adjusting blood volume.

Macula Densa

The macula densa is the crowded, columnar tubule cells located in the region where contact of the 1)final part of the ascending limb of the loop of henle and 2)the afferent arteriole serving the renal corpuscle occurs. Together with the juxtaglomerular cells, they constitue the juxtaglomerular apparatus, which helps regulate blood pressure within the kidneys.

Podocytes

The visceral layer of the glomerular (Bowman's) capsule consists of modified simple squamous epithelial cells, called podocytes. The podocytes and the endothelial cells of the glomerular capillaries form a leaky barrier known as filtration membrane that permits filtration of water and small solutes but prevents filtration of most plasma proteins, blood cells and platelets.

I hope this helps.

[opuntia]

Thanks a millions...it helped a lot

[clarence]

Here's the source. You might be needing it.
Tortora G., Grabowski S. R., Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 10th ed., pp. 712, 957-60

[opuntia]

Here's the source. You might be needing it.
Tortora G., Grabowski S. R., Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 10th ed., pp. 712, 957-60

I checked an older version of that book today...thanks again