Development of the Kidneys

on 31.8.08 with 1 comment



The kidneys are parts of the urinary system. Other members of the system include the ureters, bladder and the urethra. The urinary system develops in close association with the genital organs.The kidneys are developed in three main stages called the pronephros, mesonephros and the metanephros (nephros means kidneys). The pronephros are non functional and soon degenerate being replaced by the mesonephros which function for a short time before they are in turn replaced by the metanephros, the definitive kidneys.
The permanent kidneys i.e. the metanephros begin to develop in the fifth week of intrauterine life. Urine formation begins about the end of the first trimester i.e. the 12th week and continues for the rest of the pregnancy. The urine produced by the fetus is secreted into the amniotic cavity and forms part of the amniotic fluid. In the fetus, the placenta is the main organ of excretion, therefore, the kidneys don’t need to become functional for excretory purposes during intrauterine life. However, the kidneys must be ready to assume their excretory functions at birth.

Causes for congenital anomalies

The cause of most birth defects is unknown. However, known causes of some birth defects include:

  • Alcohol use during pregnancy

  • Not enough folic acid in mother’s diet

  • Certain prescription medications (Accutane, Thalidomide, Dilantin)

  • Mother with uncontrolled diabetes

  • Mechanical trauma to fetus during pregnancy

  • Presence of genetic abnormalities


Potential causes of birth defects include:

  • occupational chemical exposures

  • foods in the diet

  • environmental pollutants

Category: Nephrology Notes

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1 comments:

Anonymous said...
September 10, 2008 at 1:07 PM

My name is Al Race and i would like to show you my personal experience with Accutane.

I have taken for 5 months.I am 18 years old. It was slightly helpful to me, and for that, it was worth it. I have one month yet to go. When I started, face was real bad. Plain ugly. Its definitely gotten better, but there are alot of small but noticable darkspots that just dont seem to fade, I’m hoping they will yet; I’ve heard many people see major improvement after they stop the drug. I hope that’s me. It’s helped me emotionally, because everyday I wake up and think 'I gotta take my accutane!' thinking it will help. And it has, even if its not completely gone. One thing I reccomend is swimming while on the drug. The combination of accutane and chlorine on your face will dry it out significantly and promote new skin growth. Its helped me alot; I try and swim almost every day!

Side Effects :
Lips were pretty damn dry. Always carry chapstick. My lips are out of shape towards the corners of my mouth, real screwed up, I dont know why. Other than that, nothin serious, maybe tiredeness, but hey-I’m a teenager. No noticibale mood changes or depression thats different from the norm, but like I said, I’m a teen. Occasional brief minor rash, a little sore back, but thats all for me.

I hope this information will be useful to others,
Al Race

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