Morphological Analysis of the Upper Segmental Renal Artery: A Comparative Cadaveric Study Using Corrosion Casting

Background The kidneys play a critical role in blood filtration waste removal and fluid and electrolyte balance receiving approximately 20 of cardiac output through the renal arteries. These arteries divide into five segmental branches at the hilum apical upper middle inferior and posterior. Aim The present study aimed to analyze the anatomical patterns of the upper segmental renal arteries using the corrosion cast technique. Methods This observational study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy between September 2019 and February 2024. Thirty pairs of kidneys were obtained from cadavers during routine dissections conducted by medical students. Renal artery corrosion casts were prepared by injecting cellulose acetate butyrate into the abdominal aorta followed by solidification and maceration of the specimens. The observations were analyzed to identify the prevalence origin and variations of the upper segmental renal arteries. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Chi-square test. Results At the kidney hilum the renal artery divides into anterior and posterior branches. In 10 of cases the upper segmental artery originated directly from the renal artery. The anterior division was the most frequent source of the upper segmental artery 66.6 with a posterior division origin in 3 of cases. In 15 of specimens the upper segmental artery originated alongside the apical artery from the anterior division. Conclusion This morphological study of the origin course variations and distribution of the upper seg-mental renal arteries provides valuable insights for renal transplantation as well as for medical surgical and radiological applications.