Right renal artery

The right renal artery arises on left laterally from the abdominal aorta, supplying the right kidney. In most domestic mammals, including dogs, cats, sheep, and rats, a single renal artery per kidney is the most common configuration, though anatomical variations such as accessory renal arteries can occur, particularly in cats and humans.[1-5]

After originating from the aorta, the right renal artery courses dorsolaterally toward the renal hilum, where it divides before or at the hilus into two primary branches: a dorsal and a ventral branch. These branches further subdivide into segmental arteries, which supply distinct renal zones or segments.

The segmental arteries enter the renal parenchyma and branch into interlobar arteries, which run between the renal pyramids, then into arcuate arteries at the corticomedullary junction, and finally into interlobular arteries supplying the cortex. The caudal branches of both dorsal and ventral divisions are particularly important for the vascularization of the caudal pole in dogs and sheep.[1][4]