The renal artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the kidneys. Each kidney has its own renal artery, which branches off from the abdominal aorta. These arteries play a crucial role in maintaining kidney function by delivering the necessary blood flow for filtration and waste removal. Once the renal artery enters the kidney, it divides into smaller branches, eventually forming the afferent arterioles that lead to the glomeruli. The glomeruli are tiny structures where blood filtration occurs, allowing the kidneys to regulate fluid balance and remove toxins from the body.