metanephros morphogenesis

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which the anatomical structures of the metanephros are generated and organized. [GOC:dph, GOC:yaf]

Metanephros morphogenesis is a complex developmental process that gives rise to the kidneys, the essential organs responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, regulating electrolyte balance, and producing hormones. This process begins during the fifth week of human embryonic development and involves a series of intricate interactions between two distinct structures: the metanephric mesenchyme and the ureteric bud.

The metanephric mesenchyme is a specialized population of mesenchymal cells located in the posterior region of the embryo. These cells have the potential to differentiate into various renal structures, including nephrons, the functional units of the kidney.

The ureteric bud, a diverticulum of the mesonephric duct, grows into the metanephric mesenchyme. The interaction between the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme is crucial for kidney development. The ureteric bud acts as an inductive signal, inducing the metanephric mesenchyme to differentiate into nephrons.

The ureteric bud undergoes a series of branching events, giving rise to the collecting ducts and the renal pelvis. These branching events are guided by signals from the metanephric mesenchyme, which directs the ureteric bud to grow and branch in specific patterns.

As the ureteric bud branches, the metanephric mesenchyme surrounding the bud undergoes a series of changes. The cells condense and aggregate, forming epithelial structures called renal vesicles. These vesicles then elongate and differentiate into nephrons, which are the functional units of the kidney.

The development of the nephron is a highly orchestrated process involving the formation of a complex network of tubules and capillaries. The nephron consists of a glomerulus, a network of capillaries that filters blood; a proximal convoluted tubule, which reabsorbs water and solutes from the filtrate; a loop of Henle, which establishes a concentration gradient in the renal medulla; a distal convoluted tubule, which regulates electrolyte balance; and a collecting duct, which carries urine to the renal pelvis.

The metanephros continues to grow and mature throughout fetal development. By the time of birth, the kidneys are fully functional, capable of filtering blood and producing urine. However, the kidneys continue to grow and develop until adolescence, when they reach their full size.

Metanephros morphogenesis is a tightly regulated process that is susceptible to a number of genetic and environmental factors. Defects in this process can lead to a variety of kidney disorders, including polycystic kidney disease, renal agenesis, and hypoplastic kidney disease.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (6)