Radiate arteries

Definition

Radiate arteries are small blood vessels in the kidneys that branch off from the arcuate arteries. They play a crucial role in supplying blood to the nephrons for filtration and urine formation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radiate arteries are also known as cortical radiate arteries.
2. They extend into the renal cortex where they supply blood to the glomeruli.
3. Each radiate artery further branches into afferent arterioles which lead to the glomerular capillaries.
4. They are part of the intricate network of vessels that participate in kidney filtration and osmoregulation.
5. Impaired function or blockage of radiate arteries can affect kidney function and lead to conditions like hypertension.

Related terms

Arcuate Arteries: Blood vessels in the kidneys that arch over the base of renal pyramids, giving rise to radiate arteries.

Afferent Arterioles: Small branches from radiate arteries that lead directly into the glomeruli for blood filtration.

Glomerulus: A network of capillaries within Nephron where blood plasma is filtered to form urine.