Renal artery

Definition

The renal artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the kidneys. It plays a crucial role in supplying the kidneys with the necessary nutrients and oxygen to perform their functions of filtration and regulation of bodily fluids.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Each kidney has its own renal artery originating from the abdominal aorta.
2. The renal arteries branch into smaller arterioles within the kidneys, facilitating efficient blood flow to nephrons for filtration.
3. Blockage or narrowing of the renal artery can lead to hypertension and impaired kidney function.
4. Renal arteries are essential for maintaining homeostasis by ensuring adequate blood supply for waste removal and electrolyte balance.
5. The structure and health of renal arteries are critical in osmoregulation, affecting how efficiently kidneys filter blood and produce urine.

Review Questions

• What primary function does the renal artery serve in kidney physiology?
• How can blockages in the renal artery affect overall body homeostasis?
• Why is the renal artery vital for osmoregulation?

Related terms

Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.

Glomerulus: A network of capillaries located at the beginning of a nephron where initial filtration occurs.

Abdominal Aorta: The main artery that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to various organs, including supplying blood to both renal arteries.