Juxtaglomerular Apparatus: Located near the vascular pole of a renal corpuscle at the point of contact between a distal convoluted tubule and an afferent arteriole, this includes juxtaglomerular (JG) cells, a macula densa, and extraglomerular mesangial cells. The JG cells, modified smooth muscle cells in the wall of the afferent arteriole, exhibit typical secretory ultrastructure and numerous PAS-positive cytoplasmic granules. Although the influence of the macula densa on the JG cells is poorly understood, below-normal blood volume, blood pressure, or levels of blood sodium causes the JG cells to secrete renin, This enzyme cleaves plasma angiotensinogen to produce angiotensin I, which is converted to its active form, angiotensin II, by enzymes in the lungs. Angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor, increases blood pressure and stimulates aldosterone production by the adrenal cortex, thereby increasing chloride and sodium reabsorption by the distal tubule. Urinary system
