Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

The Kidneys

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

The Kidneys

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Problem 11

Textbook Question

What is the function of the juxtaglomerular complex?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the location of the juxtaglomerular complex: It is a specialized structure located near the glomerulus in the kidney, where the distal convoluted tubule comes into contact with the afferent arteriole.

Learn the components of the juxtaglomerular complex: It consists of three main parts—macula densa cells (in the distal tubule), juxtaglomerular cells (in the afferent arteriole), and extraglomerular mesangial cells.

Explore the primary function: The juxtaglomerular complex plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and the filtration rate of the kidneys by releasing renin, a hormone that activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

Understand the role of macula densa cells: These cells detect sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration in the filtrate and signal juxtaglomerular cells to release renin if NaCl levels are low, indicating low blood pressure or reduced filtration.

Connect the function to homeostasis: The juxtaglomerular complex helps maintain systemic blood pressure and fluid balance by adjusting kidney function and activating hormonal pathways to restore equilibrium.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Juxtaglomerular Complex

The juxtaglomerular complex is a specialized structure located in the kidney, specifically at the point where the distal convoluted tubule comes into contact with the glomerulus. It consists of juxtaglomerular cells, macula densa cells, and extraglomerular mesangial cells, playing a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and the filtration rate of the kidneys.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. When blood pressure drops, juxtaglomerular cells release renin, which converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, eventually leading to the production of aldosterone. This process increases sodium and water reabsorption, raising blood pressure.

Macula Densa

The macula densa is a group of specialized cells in the distal convoluted tubule that senses sodium chloride concentration in the filtrate. When sodium levels are low, the macula densa signals the juxtaglomerular cells to release renin, thus initiating the RAAS and helping to maintain homeostasis in blood pressure and fluid balance.