Extraglomerular mesangial cell

Extraglomerular mesangial cell

The Extraglomerular mesangial cell (also known as Lacis cell or Polkissen cell) is a type of cell located in the kidney. These cells are part of the juxtaglomerular apparatus and are found outside the glomerulus, hence the name 'extraglomerular'.

Etymology

The term 'extraglomerular' is derived from the Latin words 'extra' meaning 'outside' and 'glomerulus' referring to a small ball. 'Mesangial' comes from the Greek words 'mesos' meaning 'middle' and 'angeion' meaning 'vessel'.

Function

Extraglomerular mesangial cells are involved in the regulation of blood pressure and the filtration rate of the glomerulus. They are thought to communicate with both the afferent arteriole and efferent arteriole, and may play a role in the feedback mechanisms that regulate glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Related Terms

• Juxtaglomerular apparatus: A system of specialized cells in the kidneys that helps to regulate blood pressure and the filtration rate of the kidneys.
• Glomerulus: A network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney where the filtration of blood takes place.
• Afferent arteriole: The small artery that carries blood toward the glomerulus.
• Efferent arteriole: The small artery that carries blood away from the glomerulus.

See Also

• Renal physiology
• Kidney
• Renin

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