kidney_upper_slim part of part of epithelial cell non-branched duct epithelial cell epithelial cell of nephron kidney collecting duct epithelial cell FMA:70982 Kidney collecting duct epithelial cells are a specialized type of cells that form an integral part of the renal system. Located in the collecting duct system of the kidneys, these cells are responsible for one of the final steps in the process of urine formation, and they are instrumental in the fine tuning of the volume and composition of urine by reabsorbing water and certain solutes back into the bloodstream. These cells express specific channels and carriers that actively and passively transport ions and water. They also have channels on their membranes, such as sodium channels and potassium channels, involved in reabsorbing or secreting these electrolytes depending upon the body's needs. The function of renal collecting duct epithelial cells can be regulated by a variety of hormones, including vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), which can modulate the ion channels and carriers and hence indirectly influence body fluid homeostasis. Aside from their function in ion and water balance, kidney collecting duct epithelial cells also aid in maintaining the body's acid-base balance. They have specialized functionality to secret hydrogen ions into the tubular lumen, which contributes to acid excretion. Any dysfunction may have serious implications and lead to various renal or systemic diseases, exemplifying the importance of these cells in maintaining overall body homeostasis. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) An epithelial cell that is part of the collecting duct of renal tubule. https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_1000454 KUPO:0001059 epithelial cell of renal collecting tubule kidney collecting duct cell collecting duct of renal tubule