Posterior branch of renal artery
Ramus posterior arteriae renalis
- Related terms: Posterior branch
Definition
Posterior branch of renal artery refers to one of the two main divisions of the renal artery. The renal artery typically divides into an anterior branch and a posterior branch before entering the renal hilum.
The posterior branch (also called the posterior segmental artery or retropielic branch) arises from the main renal artery and courses posteriorly behind the renal pelvis to supply the posterior segment of the kidney. Key features include:
Origin: It is one of the first-order branches of the renal artery, arising at or near the renal hilum.
Course: It passes posterior to the renal pelvis (hence "retropielic"), distinguishing it from the anterior branch, which passes anterior to the pelvis.
Segmental branche: Posterior segmental artery of kidney (other segmental branches are coming from the anterior branch of renal artery)
Territory of supply: It supplies the posterior segment of the kidney, which constitutes roughly one-quarter to one-third of the renal parenchyma. This corresponds to the area between the lateral and medial borders of the kidney on its dorsal surface.
Segmental nature: It is an end artery
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