Quick Facts
The interlobular arteries are arteries originating from the arcuate arteries of the kidney and distributed to the renal glomeruli (Dorland, 2011).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure and/or Key Features
Interlobular arteries arise from the arcuate arteries and diverge radially into the cortex. Some interlobular arteries arise directly from arcuate arteries.
These interlobular arteries travel towards the superficial cortex. Some interlobular arteries branch, while others can twist and recurve in the direction of the medulla before rerouting to the renal surface. The branches of the interlobular arteries give rise to the afferent arterioles that supply the renal corpuscle. Other interlobular arteries may also traverse the surface of the kidney and anastomose with a capsular plexus.
Function
The branches of the interlobular arteries give rise to the afferent arterioles that supply the glomeruli.
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
