kidney_upper_slim part of part of kidney cortical cell juxtaglomerular complex cell Any kidney cortical cell that is part of some juxtaglomerular apparatus. The juxtaglomerular complex, also known as the juxtaglomerular apparatus, is pivotal in regulating kidney function, specifically blood filtration and pressure control. Within the nephron, the kidney's functional unit, this complex comprises three key cell types: juxtaglomerular cells (JG cells), macula densa cells, and extraglomerular mesangial cells. Each cell type has a vital role in governing kidney function. JG cells, or granular cells, are specialized smooth muscle cells in the afferent arterioles. They release renin, a hormone catalyzing the renin-angiotensin system, in response to low blood pressure. Macula densa cells, located in the distal convoluted tubule, sense changes in sodium chloride concentration and regulate renin release by JG cells accordingly. Extraglomerular mesangial cells, positioned between afferent and efferent arterioles, play a less understood role. They are believed to transmit signals between macula densa and JG cells, contributing to information exchange within the juxtaglomerular complex and helping regulate nephron filtration rates. (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.) KUPO:0001028 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_1000618 juxtaglomerulus cell juxtaglomerular apparatus