English

Abstract

Normally the kidneys are supplied by renal arteries from the aorta. A pair of renal arteries arises from the lateral side of aorta. They run at right angles to aorta. In 70% of individuals a single artery supplies the kidney on each side. Near the renal hilum these arteries divide into an anterior and posterior division. They divide further into segmental arteries to supply renal vascular segments. In 30% of individuals accessory renal arteries have been reported. They are regarded as persistent embryonic lateral splanchnic arteries. The accessory vessels to inferior pole cross anterior to the ureter. In such a position the ureter may be obstructed causing hydronephrosis. During routine dissection of cadavers for teaching purpose in the department of Anatomy it was observed that one of the cadavers, a female, showed variations in the renal arteries on both sides and in the left renal vein. There were two renal arteries on the left side from the aorta. They divided outside the hilum. The upper artery gave a branch to the upper pole which entered the kidney behind the supra renal gland. The lower artery went to the lower pole behind the pelvis of ureter. The renal vein on the left side was seen to be draining into the inferior vena cava behind the aorta-retro-aortic vein. An attempt has been made to describe the variation for the purpose of documentation which is very important for future references. The knowledge of variability in pattern of arteries is essential in surgical interventions like transplantations.