| Stellate veins | |
| Latin: | Venae stellatae renis |
| Drainsfrom: | Interlobular arteries |
| Drainsto: | Interlobular veins |
The stellate veins are minute[1] veins situated just beneath the fibrous capsule of the kidney. The stellate veins drain the superficial-most portion of the renal cortex. Groups of 5 or 6 stellate veins are arranged in a star-like pattern, converging centrally to drain into an interlobular vein as it penetrates into the renal cortex.