What is the significance of the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) in kidney function?
The JGA plays an important role in the regulation of kidney function. A fall in glomerular blood flow / glomerular blood pressure / GFR can activate the JG cells to release renin which converts angiotensinogen in the blood to angiotensin I and further to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II, being a powerful vasoconstrictor, increases the glomerular blood pressure and thereby GFR. It also activates the adrenal cortex to release Aldosterone. Aldosterone causes reabsorption of Na+ and water from the distal parts of the tubule. This also leads to an increase in blood pressure and GFR. This mechanism is known as the Renin-Angiotensin mechanism.
