Which describes the branching of the renal blood supply starting at the hilum?

The branching of the renal blood supply starting at the hilum is best described as starting with the main renal artery, which ultimately branches into several segmental arteries upon entering the kidney. From the segmental arteries, blood flow is further divided into interlobar arteries that run between the renal pyramids. As these interlobar arteries approach the cortico-medullary junction, they branch into arcuate arteries, which traverse the base of the renal pyramids. Finally, the arcuate arteries give rise to interlobular arteries that supply the renal cortex.

The correct answer traces this pathway accurately. First, the main renal artery (MRA) branches into segmental arteries, which then branch into interlobar arteries running vertically through the kidneys. These interlobar arteries transition into arcuate arteries that arch over the bases of the pyramids, and finally, from the arcuate arteries, the interlobular arteries emerge to supply blood to the renal cortex.

This sequence is critical for understanding renal blood supply as it outlines the organization of arterial branches and their respective roles in supplying blood throughout the kidney's anatomy.