Table of Contents
What is Pronephros?
The pronephros is the first kidney to form in a developing embryo. It is a primitive kidney that plays a role in filtering waste from the blood. The pronephros begins to form at the front of the embryo, and it is gradually replaced by the more mature kidneys, the mesonephros and the metanephros.
Nephrons – The Functional Unit of a Kidney
Nephrons are the functional unit of the kidney. They are the site of filtration, secretion, and reabsorption of the blood. Nephrons have a Bowman’s capsule around them which is where the filtration of the blood occurs. The glomerulus is located in the Bowman’s capsule and is where the blood is filtered. The filtered blood flows through the renal tubule where the various substances are reabsorbed or secreted. The urine is then excreted from the kidney.
Pronephric Kidney Development
The pronephric kidney is the first kidney to form in a developing embryo. It is responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste products. The pronephric kidney begins to form at the 5-6 week stage of embryonic development and is fully functional by the 8-9 week stage.
The pronephric kidney is formed from a series of ridges that run down the length of the embryo. These ridges develop into the collecting ducts and tubules of the kidney. The pronephric kidney is initially small, but it grows rapidly as the embryo develops.
The pronephric kidney filters the blood and removes waste products. It also helps to regulate the body’s water and salt balance. The pronephric kidney is gradually replaced by the mesonephric kidney, which is responsible for the majority of kidney function in adults.
