Renal arteries

Definition

Renal arteries are blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the kidneys. They branch off from the abdominal aorta and enter the kidneys at the hilum.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Renal arteries deliver approximately 20-25% of the body's cardiac output to the kidneys.
2. Each kidney typically receives blood from a single renal artery, although variations can exist.
3. The renal arteries further divide into smaller arterioles within the kidney, leading to the glomeruli.
4. Blockage or narrowing of renal arteries can lead to conditions such as hypertension and renal ischemia.
5. The high blood flow through renal arteries is crucial for efficient filtration and waste removal in the kidneys.

Review Questions

Related terms

glomerulus:

A network of capillaries in the nephron where filtration of blood begins

hilum:

The concave part of the kidney where blood vessels, nerves, and ureters enter and exit

renal vein: Blood vessel that carries filtered blood away from the kidney back towards the heart