Question

During the ascent of the kidneys, accessory renal arteries grow into the kidneys from below or above the hilum. They may enter the kidney directly at the upper or lower pole. If an accessory artery grows into the lower pole, what pathological condition may occur? What would be the consequence?

a. Renal infarction
b. Hydronephrosis
c. Renal cyst formation
d. Nephroptosis

Answer 1

An accessory renal artery growing into the lower pole of the kidney may cause hydronephrosis, which is a condition where urine flow is obstructed, leading to swelling of the kidney's urinary collecting system.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an accessory renal artery grows into the lower pole of the kidney, it may lead to the pathological condition called hydronephrosis. This condition occurs when the additional artery compresses the ureter, which can obstruct urine flow from the kidney to the bladder, causing a backup of urine. The backup can lead to swelling and dilation of the renal pelvis and calyces, potentially harming kidney function.

Because the kidney filters blood, its network of blood vessels is essential for its structure and function. The blood supply to the kidney begins with the branching of the aorta into the renal arteries, which subsequently branch into segmental, interlobar, arcuate, and cortical radiate arteries that supply the nephrons. Veins trace the path of the arteries, although there are no segmental veins.

The renal hilum is the entry and exit site for structures servicing the kidneys, where the renal pelvis emerges, and the smooth muscle in the renal pelvis funnels urine via peristalsis into the ureter.