Left renal artery arises from the _________ lateral aspect of the aorta.

• A. Anterior
• B. Posterior
• C. Superior
• D. Inferior

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how the renal arteries originate from the abdominal aorta. Each renal artery branches off the aorta from its lateral surface and then travels laterally to reach the kidney. For the left kidney, this origin is described as the posterior aspect of the lateral surface. This posterior-lateral origin fits the retroperitoneal path the arteries take to the kidneys, and it distinguishes their origin from an anterior, superior, or inferior surface. In imaging or exam contexts, remember that the renal arteries come off the lateral aspect of the aorta, with the left one oriented toward the left and typically described as posterior-lateral in relation to the aorta.