pronephros /pro·neph·ros/ (pro-nef´ros) pl. proneph´roi
pronephros
1. a vestigial excretory structure developing in the embryo before the mesonephros; its duct is later used by the mesonephros, which arises caudal to it.
2. the definitive excretory organ of primitive fishes.proneph´ric
pro·neph·ros (pr -n f r s, -r s )n. pl. pro·neph·roi (-roi) or pro·neph·ra (-r ) A kidneylike organ, being either part of the most anterior pair of three pairs of organs in a vertebrate embryo, usually disappearing early in embryonic development. |
pronephros
[-nef′rəs] pl. pronephroi
Etymology: Gk, pro + nephros, kidney
the earliest and simplest kind of excretory organ in the developing vertebrate embryo. In humans and other mammals the structure is nonfunctional. Also called archinephron, head kidney, pronephron (pl. pronephra). See also mesonephros, metanephros. pronephric, adj.
pronephros
pl. pronephroi [Gr.] the primordial kidney; nonfunctional in mammals; functional only in amphioxuses and lampreys; an excretory structure or its rudiments developing in the embryo before the mesonephros; its duct is later used by the mesonephros, which arises caudal to it.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|