inferior segmental renal artery

The inferior segmental renal artery is a segmental renal artery that passes anterior to the renal pelvis and travels inferiorly and laterally toward the inferior pole of the kidney, supplying the inferior lobe which encompasses the entire inferior pole including both anterior and posterior surfaces.

It is located at the renal hilum, arising from the main renal artery and passing anterior to the renal pelvis before coursing inferiorly to the inferior pole of the kidney.

Its function is to supply oxygenated blood to the entire inferior pole of the kidney, covering both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the inferior lobe.

Renal lower-pole tumors, ureteropelvic junction obstruction surgery, and renal trauma may be associated with involvement of the inferior segmental renal artery, making its identification important in lower-pole partial nephrectomy.

CT angiography is the primary modality used to identify and map the inferior segmental renal artery prior to partial nephrectomy or other renal interventions.