Afferent arteriole

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Afferent Arteriole

The Afferent Arteriole (/əˈfɛrənt ɑːrˈtiːriəʊl/; from Latin afferens, meaning 'bringing in') is a blood vessel in the kidney that carries blood from the renal artery to the glomerulus.

Anatomy

The afferent arteriole branches off from the renal artery, which supplies the kidney with oxygenated blood. It leads to the glomerulus, a network of tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, where the filtration of blood takes place. The afferent arteriole is larger in diameter than the efferent arteriole, the vessel that carries blood away from the glomerulus.

Function

The primary function of the afferent arteriole is to transport blood to the glomerulus for filtration. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure and the filtration rate of the kidneys. The smooth muscle in the wall of the afferent arteriole responds to signals from the body to dilate or constrict, thereby adjusting the blood flow to the glomerulus.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the afferent arteriole can lead to various kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis and hypertension. It is also a target for certain antihypertensive drugs.

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