2nd lumbar vertebral body

Q. The renal arteries typically branch from the abdominal aorta at the level of the:

• 1. 12th thoracic vertebral body

  2. 1st lumbar vertebral body

  3. 2nd lumbar vertebral body

  4. 3rd lumbar vertebral body

  5. 4th lumbar vertebral body

Usually overlying the second lumbar vertebral body, but subject to considerable variation, the paired renal arteries emanate laterally from the aorta.