The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system is very important. It helps regulate the blood pressure and blood volume within our bodies. Juxtaglomerular cells are informed when blood pressure/volume falls or when there is low sodium levels. These cells are then stimulated to release a protein called Renin. Renin is an enzyme that converts Angiotensinogen to Angiotensin I.Angiotensin is an enzyme made by the liver. When there is a change to blood volume or pressure, the receptors in the Afferent arterioles are notified.
In response Renin is released, Angiotensin is converted to angiotensin I then it goes to the kidney where Angiotensin I is converted to Angiotensin II via Angiotensin Converting Enzyme. Angiotensin II then stimulates aldosterone to retain sodium and water which then leads to increase blood pressure and volume.If the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system wasn’t in place or functioning properly, then our bodies would have no mechanism to maintain homeostasis in regards to blood pressure or volume. Blood volume/pressure would fluctuate and our body would have no way to correct this without taking some type of medication.
It would be very problematic and could result in episodes of hypertension.
