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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
06:51
Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches
Published on: September 5, 2025
The inferior supernumerary renal arteries: a classification into three types
Keishi Okamoto1, Kodo Kodama, Katsushi Kawai
1Department of Developmental and Reconstructive Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University, Japan. okamon@net.nagasaki-u.ac.jp
Summary
Inferior supernumerary renal arteries (InfRA) were found in 7-9% of cases. Their aortic origin correlates with their position relative to the inferior vena cava (IVC) and ureter, suggesting varied developmental origins.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Supernumerary renal arteries are anatomical variations.
- Understanding their origin and course is crucial for surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and anatomical variations of inferior supernumerary renal arteries (InfRA).
- To correlate the origin of InfRA from the aorta with their positional relationship to the inferior vena cava (IVC) and ureter.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of anatomical variations in 270 cases.
- Detailed description of the origin and course of identified InfRA.
Main Results:
- Inferior supernumerary renal arteries (InfRA) were identified in approximately 7-9% of cases.
- The level of aortic origin of InfRA correlated with its position relative to the IVC and ureter.
- Specific positional patterns were observed for lower, middle, and upper origin InfRA.
- Branching patterns (ureteric vs. gonadal) showed a tendency based on origin type.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that the anatomical variations of InfRA are linked to their embryological development.
- Detailed anatomical knowledge of InfRA is essential for urological and vascular procedures.
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