Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

Blood Supply of the Kidneys

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

Blood Supply of the Kidneys

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Problem 12

Textbook Question

Trace the path of a drop of blood from its entry into the renal artery until its exit at a renal vein.

Verified step by step guidance

Start by understanding that the renal artery carries oxygenated blood to the kidney. The blood enters the kidney through the renal artery, which branches into smaller arteries called segmental arteries.

From the segmental arteries, the blood flows into the interlobar arteries, which travel between the renal pyramids in the medulla of the kidney.

Next, the blood moves into the arcuate arteries, which curve around the base of the renal pyramids and give rise to smaller branches called cortical radiate arteries (also known as interlobular arteries).

The cortical radiate arteries supply blood to the afferent arterioles, which lead to the glomeruli (capillary networks within the nephron). Here, filtration occurs, and the blood exits the glomeruli via efferent arterioles.

Finally, the filtered blood flows through the peritubular capillaries and vasa recta, eventually draining into the cortical radiate veins, arcuate veins, interlobar veins, and ultimately exits the kidney through the renal vein.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Renal Circulation

Renal circulation refers to the pathway blood takes through the kidneys, which includes the renal artery, glomeruli, and renal veins. Blood enters the kidneys via the renal artery, where it is filtered to remove waste and excess substances. Understanding this circulation is crucial for tracing the journey of blood through the renal system.

Nephron Function

The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. Each nephron consists of a glomerulus, where filtration occurs, and a tubule, where reabsorption and secretion take place. Knowledge of nephron function is essential for understanding how blood is processed in the kidneys.

Filtration and Reabsorption

Filtration and reabsorption are key processes in the kidneys. Filtration occurs in the glomerulus, where blood plasma is filtered into the nephron. Reabsorption takes place in the renal tubules, where essential substances like water, glucose, and ions are returned to the bloodstream, ensuring that the body retains necessary nutrients while excreting waste.