From the Research
The vascular septum of the kidney plays a crucial role in maintaining proper renal function by separating the renal cortex into segments and carrying blood vessels and nerves to different parts of the kidney. The septa extend inward from the renal capsule toward the medulla, dividing the kidney into distinct lobes and lobules, and each septum contains branches of the renal artery, renal vein, and nerves that supply specific regions of the kidney tissue 1. This anatomical arrangement is clinically significant because it creates functional units within the kidney, allowing for segmental blood supply. If a branch of the renal artery becomes damaged or blocked, only the corresponding segment of the kidney will be affected rather than the entire organ.
The vascular septa also play a role in the kidney's ability to maintain proper filtration and blood pressure regulation by ensuring appropriate blood distribution throughout the renal tissue. In patients with renal artery stenosis due to fibromuscular dysplasia, the treatment of choice is percutaneous renal angioplasty (PTRA), which can help to improve blood pressure control and reduce the risk of complications 2. Additionally, revascularization of the renal artery appears to be effective at lowering blood pressure in many patients with renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia 3.
Some key points to consider include:
- The vascular septa are important for maintaining proper renal function and blood pressure regulation
- Damage to the renal artery can affect only the corresponding segment of the kidney, rather than the entire organ
- PTRA is the treatment of choice for patients with renal artery stenosis due to fibromuscular dysplasia
- Revascularization of the renal artery can be effective at lowering blood pressure in patients with renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia
- The vascular architecture of the kidney is designed to function both in oxygen/nutrient delivery and filtration of blood according to the homeostatic needs of the body 1.
Overall, the vascular septum of the kidney is a critical structure that plays a key role in maintaining proper renal function and blood pressure regulation. Understanding the anatomy and function of the vascular septa is essential for diagnosing and treating conditions such as renal artery stenosis and fibromuscular dysplasia.