| macula densa | A closely packed group of densely staining cells in the distal tubular epithelium of a nephron, in direct apposition to the juxtaglomerular cells; they may function as either chemoreceptors or as baroreceptors feeding information to the juxtaglomerular cells. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| lamina densa | The electron-dense layer of the basal lamina as seen in the electron microscope. See: basement membrane. The extraordinarily thick basal lamina of the renal glomerulus. Synonym: basal lamina. (05 Mar 2000) |