Main Menu Pathology | Normal Histology - [click on image(s) below] Juxtaglomerular Apparatus Location: vascular pole of the glomerulus Consists of the afferent arteriole right before it enters the glomerulus, and a portion of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) of the same nephron which loops back and lies against the afferent arteriole at this point. Function: involved in the regulation of systemic blood pressure Histologic features: three cell types Juxtaglomerular cells: granular cytoplasm (renin production); prominent nucleus; form a cuff of several layers around the afferent arteriole just before it enters the glomerulus. Macula densa: consists of modified DCT cells which are taller and have larger more prominent nuclei than adjacent cells. Lacis cells (cells of Goomaghtigh): extraglomerular mesangial cells; function unknown (may produce erythropoeitin).