Renal Blood Supply

University:
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Course:
BIO 355 | Human Physiology
Academic year:

2021
Views:

141

Pages:

2
Author:

callbenson

Renal Blood Supply: Learn about the renal arteries, veins, and their branching patterns that provide blood to and from the kidneys. The renal blood supply is essential for maintaining the function of the kidneys, as it delivers oxygen, nutrients, and removes waste products from these vital organs. The renal arteries, veins, and their branching patterns play a crucial role in providing blood to and from the kidneys. Here's an overview of the renal blood supply: Renal Arteries: 1. Origins: The renal arteries arise directly from the abdominal aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. There is typically one renal artery for each kidney, and they branch off just below the level of the superior mesenteric artery. 2. Branching Patterns: Each renal artery divides into several segmental arteries, which further branch into interlobar arteries. These interlobar arteries run along the renal columns (extensions of cortical tissue between the renal pyramids) toward the renal cortex. 3. Arcuate Arteries: Interlobar arteries give rise to arcuate arteries at the corticomedullary junction, where the cortex and medulla of the kidney meet. The arcuate arteries arch along the base of the renal pyramids. 4. Cortical Radiate Arteries: The arcuate arteries give rise to cortical radiate arteries (also known as interlobular arteries). These arteries extend into the renal cortex, supplying blood to the nephrons and other structures in the cortex. Renal Veins: 1. Origins: Blood from the kidneys is drained by the renal veins, which exit each kidney. There is typically one renal vein for each kidney. The left renal vein is longer and receives blood from both the left kidney and the left gonad (testis in males or ovary in females), while the right renal vein receives blood only from the right kidney. 2. Branching Patterns: The renal veins follow the same branching patterns as the arteries but in reverse. Cortical radiate veins drain into arcuate veins, which in turn drain into interlobar veins. These veins converge to form the renal vein, which carries deoxygenated blood out of the kidney and into the inferior vena cava. Hilar Structures: 1. Renal Hilum: The renal arteries, veins, and ureter enter and exit the kidney through an indentation called the renal hilum, located on the medial side of each kidney. 2. Renal Pelvis: The renal pelvis, a funnel-shaped structure, receives urine from the collecting ducts and funnels it into the ureter for transport to the bladder. The renal pelvis is continuous with the ureter and is also located within the renal hilum. The intricate branching patterns of the renal arteries and veins ensure efficient blood supply and drainage to and from the nephrons and other structures in the kidneys. This arrangement allows the kidneys to perform their essential functions of filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and waste elimination while maintaining overall fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.