PARANEPHROS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "paranephros" refers to an embryonic excretory organ found in some animals, particularly certain fish species. It is a specialized structure that functions as a temporary kidney during the early stages of development, before being replaced by the true kidneys.
The paranephros is situated near the head region in the embryo and is composed of tubules and associated cells. It is responsible for the filtration and elimination of waste products from the blood, similar to the function of the adult kidney. However, unlike the fully developed kidney, the paranephros is not involved in fluid balance or osmoregulation.
During further development, the paranephros undergoes changes, gradually transforming into a new structure known as the mesonephros. The mesonephros then takes over the excretory functions, while the paranephros regresses and eventually disappears.
The term "paranephros" comes from the Greek words "para," meaning beside, and "nephros," meaning kidney. It highlights the transient nature and anatomical proximity of this early excretory organ to the definitive kidneys.
In summary, the paranephros is an embryonic excretory organ that serves as a primitive kidney in certain animals. It performs filtration and waste elimination functions before being replaced by the more advanced kidneys as development progresses.
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The suprarenal or adrenal body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARANEPHROS
- oaranephros
- laranephros
- -aranephros
- 0aranephros
- pzranephros
- psranephros
- pwranephros
- pqranephros
- paeanephros
- padanephros
- pafanephros
- patanephros
- pa5anephros
- pa4anephros
- parznephros
- parsnephros
- parwnephros
- parqnephros
- parabephros
- paramephros
Etymology of PARANEPHROS
The word "paranephros" derives from the combination of two Greek words: "para" meaning "beside" or "near", and "nephros" meaning "kidney".
In anatomy, the paranephros refers to a structure that is adjacent to the kidneys, specifically the embryonic mesonephros. The term is used to describe a part of the early development of the urinary system in vertebrates.
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