Interlobar artery

Interlobar artery

Diagram of the blood vessels of the kidney from Gray's Anatomy. The interlobar arteries are labeled at the center.

The interlobar arteries are branches of the renal artery that supply blood to the kidney. They are part of the renal circulation and play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption processes of the kidney.

Structure

The interlobar arteries arise from the segmental arteries, which are branches of the renal artery. They course through the renal columns, structures within the kidney that are made up of lines of blood vessels and urinary tubes and a supportive material. The interlobar arteries then supply the arcuate arteries, which run along the border of the renal cortex and the renal medulla.

Function

The interlobar arteries carry oxygenated blood from the renal artery into the kidneys. This blood is then filtered by the kidneys to remove waste products and excess substances, producing urine. The filtered blood is returned to the systemic circulation via the renal vein.

Clinical significance

Damage or blockage of the interlobar arteries can lead to renal ischemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys. This can result in kidney damage and, in severe cases, kidney failure.

See also

• Renal artery
• Renal circulation
• Kidney