Figure 1.

The kidney architecture and vasculature in the human, miniature pig, and mouse. A: human kidneys are about 10−12 cm in length, with multiple calyxes. B: porcine kidneys are around 8 cm in length and have a similar structure to that of humans with multiple renal papillae and pyramids. C: mouse kidneys are about 1 cm in length, with only a single calyx. Renal arteries are originated from the abdominal aorta and divide into cranial and caudal branches at the hilar level in humans, miniature pigs, and mice. Furthermore, they split intro branches to supply the upper and lower poles and the middle segment of the kidney. Branching patterns of the renal vein in humans, miniature pigs, and mice are similar to those of the renal artery.