Cortical radiate arteries
Arteriae corticales radiatae
Also known as: interlobular arteries, radial cortical arteries
Arteries that radiate from the arcuate arteries toward the renal capsule through the cortex, giving off the afferent arterioles of the glomeruli.
Overview
Cortical radiate (traditionally interlobular) arteries run perpendicular to the kidney surface, between the medullary rays, through the cortical labyrinth. Along their length they give off afferent arterioles, each supplying a single glomerulus; arterioles from the deeper part supply juxtamedullary glomeruli and those near the capsule supply superficial cortical glomeruli. Some terminal branches reach the capsule.
Because there are no other routes into the cortical capillary beds, all cortical blood must pass through glomeruli first — the basis of the renal portal-like circulation.
- Location
Renal cortex, running from the corticomedullary junction toward the capsule.
Anatomy
- Branches
Afferent arterioles (to glomeruli); capsular branches.
Function
- Supply afferent arterioles of cortical and juxtamedullary glomeruli
Clinical significance
Malignant hypertension and vasculitis
Small renal arteries such as the cortical radiates are targets of hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis (onion-skinning) in malignant hypertension and of small/medium-vessel vasculitis.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Urinary System sources. For education only; not medical advice.