Interlobar arteries
Arteriae interlobares renis
Branches of the segmental arteries that pass through the renal columns between the pyramids toward the corticomedullary junction, where they turn to form the arcuate arteries.
Overview
Interlobar arteries arise from the segmental arteries in the renal sinus and run radially outward between adjacent renal pyramids within the renal columns (hence "interlobar" — between the renal lobes). On reaching the bases of the pyramids at the corticomedullary junction, each bends over to run parallel to the surface as an arcuate artery.
They are accompanied by interlobar veins that drain arcuate veins toward the renal vein.
- Location
Renal columns, between the renal pyramids.
Anatomy
- Course
Segmental artery → interlobar artery (renal column) → arcuate artery (base of pyramid).
- Branches
Arcuate arteries.
Function
- Convey blood from segmental arteries to the corticomedullary junction
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Urinary System sources. For education only; not medical advice.