Juxtaglomerular Apparatus

As the straight ascending segment of the distal tubule approaches its corpuscle of origin, it passes between the afferent and efferent arterioles and contributes to the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) (refer to R-P, Fig. 20.7 & Pl. 72). Locate a corpuscle showing an afferent arteriole entering and an efferent arteriole exiting at the vascular pole. Closely inspect the wall of the afferent arteriole. At this point, the vessel is closely applied to the wall of the distal convoluted tubule. The smooth muscle cells of the arteriole have spherical nuclei and are known as juxtaglomerular cells (JG cells). JG cells produce renin. Another structure to look for is the macula densa, which occurs where the cells of the DCT contact the afferent arteriole. Here they become taller and thinner forming the macula densa. Together, the macula densa and juxtaglomerular cells make up the juxtaglomerular apparatus (B-67, H&E [2.5x, 10x, 20x, 40x-labeled, 40x-labeled]; B-71, H&E [40x, 40x, 40x]).

Juxtaglomerular Apparatus Identifications

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-- AshleyLPistorio - 23 May 2007