Vessel
Interlobar and arcuate arteries
Arteries traveling between the renal pyramids
High-yield
Follow the route by position: between pyramids, around their bases, then outward through cortex to the glomeruli.
Overview
Interlobar arteries distribute segmental blood supply through the renal columns. Near the bases of the pyramids, their continuations curve as arcuate arteries. Cortical radiate branches then extend toward the capsule and supply the afferent arterioles.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Continue from segmental arterial branches in the renal sinus.
- Course
- Pass through columns between pyramids and curve near the corticomedullary boundary as arcuate arteries.
- Branches
- Arcuate continuations give cortical radiate arteries, which in turn give afferent arterioles.
- Supplies
- Deliver blood toward cortical glomeruli; downstream efferent circulation supplies cortical tubules and medullary vasa recta.
- Drains to
- After capillary exchange, renal venous channels return blood through arcuate and interlobar pathways to the renal vein.
Mnemonic
Interlobar goes between; arcuate bends; cortical radiate goes outward.
Clinical correlation
Chronic hypertension can damage small renal arteries and arterioles, reducing parenchymal perfusion. Loss of corticomedullary distinction on imaging is a nonspecific parenchymal finding, not a direct consequence of the arcuate arteries marking that border.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the interlobar and arcuate arteries originate?
The interlobar and arcuate arteries arise from the continue from segmental arterial branches in the renal sinus.
What do the interlobar and arcuate arteries supply?
Deliver blood toward cortical glomeruli; downstream efferent circulation supplies cortical tubules and medullary vasa recta.
Where do the interlobar and arcuate arteries drain to?
The interlobar and arcuate arteries drain to the after capillary exchange, renal venous channels return blood through arcuate and interlobar pathways to the renal vein.
What are the branches of the interlobar and arcuate arteries?
Branches of the interlobar and arcuate arteries include the arcuate continuations give cortical radiate arteries, which in turn give afferent arterioles.