Renal artery

Definition

The renal artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the aorta to the kidneys. It plays a critical role in supplying the kidneys with the nutrients and oxygen necessary for their function in filtering blood and producing urine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The renal arteries branch off from the abdominal aorta.
2. Each kidney typically receives blood from one renal artery, although some individuals may have multiple renal arteries.
3. Proper nutrition can impact blood flow through the renal arteries by influencing factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
4. Renal artery stenosis, or narrowing of the renal artery, can lead to hypertension and impaired kidney function.
5. Dietary management, including reduced sodium intake, can help maintain healthy renal artery function.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of the renal artery?
• How does nutrition affect renal artery health?
• What medical condition is associated with narrowing of the renal artery?

Related terms

glomerulus:

A network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney where filtration of blood begins

nephron:

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

renal vein:

The vessel that carries deoxygenated blood away from the kidneys to the inferior vena cava