Blood Supply to the Kidneys

Question 1

at what vertebral level are the paired renal arteries given off from the abdominal aorta?

Answer 1

L1-L2

Question 2

what happens to the renal arteries at the hilum of the kidney?

Answer 2

they go anterior and posterior forming five segmental arteries

Question 3

describe the differences in the way the renal arteries travel in relationship to the renal veins to the kidneys on each side

Answer 3

Note the relationship of the inferior vena cava to the aorta; this means that the left renal vein travels anterior to the aorta and is relatively long, while the right renal vein travels direct and is relatively short. Conversely, the right renal artery travels posterior to the inferior vena cava and is relatively long, while the left renal artery travels directly and is relatively short.

Question 4

Look closely at the left renal vein in the image above. Identify the vein shown that travels upwards (from the pelvis) to drain into the left renal vein on the left side and the IVC on the right side. Name this vein

Answer 4

left testicular vein