What is Macula DENSA?
Makula DENSA is a collection of cells in the kidneys that help in control of blood pressure and blood volume in the body. Makula DENSA cells are highly specialized and densely wrapped in the distal tubulus of the first filter point in the kidney, glomerulus. These cells detect changes in sodium chloride concentrations and send signals to other kidney cells to function to maintain the speed of glomerular filtration (GFR) stable. The speed of glomerular filtration is the speed at which the kidneys remove waste products and excess blood filtering.
When the sodium chloride levels are too low, the condition is detected by Makula DENSA. Low levels of sodium or salt chloride show that blood pressure has decreased and the kidneys must absorb more ions and liquids to return the blood pressure back to normal. The process by which Dansa Macula cells communicate with other glomerular cells is not fully understood, but the signals sent by have two different consequences.
First, blood flow in arteriolch brings blood towards Bowman's kidney capsule, which encounters less resistance. This makes the glomerululus pressure higher than the arteriol pressure, which promotes increased reabsorption of ions and water. Second, Macula DENSA initiates the release of renin from the kidneys. Renin is an enzyme that plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and blood volume within the Renin-English system. Renin is released due to the action of prostoglandins released Macula Densa.
Makula DENSA is one of the three structures that make up the juxtaglomerular apparatus, a small part of the kidney anatomy, which controls nephron. Two other types of cells in the juxtaglomerular apparatus are juxtaglomerular cells and extraglomerular mesangial cells. Together, these three cell groups work to check the speed of glomerular filtration and blood flow.
Macula DENSA plays a key role in maintaining overall homeostasis in the body. AugustIf this collection of cells is anatomically very small, it has a significant function in one of the most complex organs in the body. Between filtration and absorption of ions and fluids, a fine balance develops to ensure that the daily function of the body can occur efficiently. The volume of fluid outside the cell is processed at least 15 times a day in the body and therefore the importance of this structure cannot be underestimated.