Which is the correct order of blood flow through the kidneys?

• A. Renal artery, interlobar artery, interlobular artery, arcuate artery, efferent arteriole
• B. Renal artery, arcuate artery, interlobar artery, interlobular artery, efferent arteriole
• C. Renal artery, interlobular artery, arcuate artery, interlobar artery, afferent arteriole
• D. Renal artery, interlobar artery, arcuate artery, interlobular artery, afferent arteriole

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the basic anatomy of the kidney and the path blood takes as it flows through it. The kidney receives blood from the renal artery.
2. The renal artery branches into smaller arteries as it enters the kidney. The first major branch is the interlobar artery, which travels between the renal pyramids.
3. Next, the interlobar artery branches into the arcuate artery. The arcuate artery arches over the base of the renal pyramids.
4. From the arcuate artery, blood flows into the interlobular artery, which extends into the cortex of the kidney.
5. Finally, the interlobular artery leads to the afferent arteriole, which supplies blood to the glomerulus for filtration.