Development of the Renal Arteries
The development of the renal arteries takes place during the later stages of fetal development. At this time, the nephrons, which are responsible for filtering waste from the blood, are also developing. As the fetus grows, the kidneys move upward and rotate, causing the ureters, which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, to become longer. Initially, the growing kidneys are supplied by several temporary blood vessels that branch off from the aorta. However, as the kidneys ascend, the permanent renal arteries emerge from the lumbar region of the aorta, while the temporary vessels disappear.
Branches of the Renal Arteries
The renal arteries, also referred to as end arteries, are responsible for supplying blood exclusively to the kidneys, as they do not connect with neighboring branches. Upon reaching the hilum, they divide into five segmental arteries: superior, anterior superior, anterior inferior, inferior, and posterior. The right renal artery, which is longer than the left, passes behind the inferior vena cava. Prior to entering the hilum, the renal artery splits into two branches: the inferior suprarenal artery and the ureteric branch.