In the kidney, the<unk> s (JG cells, also known as granular cells) are cells that synthesize, store, and secrete the enzyme renin. They are specialized smooth muscle cells in the wall of the afferent arteriole that delivers blood to the glomerulus. In synthesizing renin, they play a critical role in the renin-angiotensin system and thus in renal autoregulation, the self-governance of the kidney.
In appropriately stained slides,<unk> s are distinguished by their granulated cytoplasm.
Juxtaglomerular cell
Renal corpuscle
Renal tubule
Adrenal cortex
Intraglomerular mesangial cell
Cone cell
Renal medulla
Adrenal medulla