mesangiumissa

The mesangium is a specialized group of cells and extracellular matrix found within the glomerulus of the kidney. It is divided into two main components: the intraglomerular mesangium and the extraglomerular mesangium. The intraglomerular mesangium is located within the glomerular tuft and plays a crucial role in filtration, structural support, and phagocytosis. Its cells, known as mesangial cells, are contractile and can regulate glomerular blood flow and surface area available for filtration. They also secrete a matrix that contributes to the structural integrity of the glomerulus. The extraglomerular mesangium is situated outside the glomerular tuft, in the vascular pole, and is part of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. It is thought to be involved in regulating blood pressure and kidney function through hormonal mechanisms. Diseases affecting the mesangium, such as glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy, can lead to significant kidney damage and impaired renal function. Damage to mesangial cells and their matrix can result in changes to the filtration barrier, proteinuria, and eventual loss of kidney function.