Hormonal Control, Capillaries, & Juxtaglomerular Apparatus

What are the characteristics of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT)?

Simple cuboidal epithelium; regulated by hormones like aldosterone, ADH, and PTH.

What is the collecting duct (CD) and its function?

Simple cuboidal epithelium with principal and intercalated cells; under hormonal influence (aldosterone, ADH, PTH) to regulate water and ion balance.

Where do collecting ducts empty?

Into papillary ducts at the renal papilla.

What are the two capillary beds associated with nephrons?

Peritubular capillaries (surround convoluted tubules) and vasa recta (run along nephron loop)

What are the two types of nephrons?

Cortical nephrons (short loops); Juxtamedullary nephrons (long loops for concentrated urine)

What is the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) and its function?

A structure that regulates blood pressure within the kidney.

What are juxtaglomerular (JG) cells?

Modified smooth muscle cells around afferent arteriole; dilate/constrict arterioles and secrete renin.

What are macula densa cells?

Cells in the DCT that monitor filtrate concentration and flow.

What are mesangial cells and their role?

Smooth muscle cells within the glomerulus that adjust surface area, affecting glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

What does the afferent arteriole do?

Brings blood into the glomerulus.

What does the efferent arteriole do?

Carries blood away from the glomerulus.