Definition

A type of kidney organ found in some vertebrate embryos that is the first of three pairs of renal organs, which disappears early in development for higher vertebrates but works as a kidney in simpler species like lampreys.

Example

The pronephros is an important structure during the early stages of development in certain vertebrates.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term pronephros?

Yeah, I think it's related to early kidney development in embryos.

Exactly! It's fascinating how it functions in some simple vertebrates.

It really is interesting, especially how it disappears in higher vertebrates.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pronephros is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "nephros" (meaning kidney in Greek). The term refers to the first stage of kidney development in vertebrates, indicating its position as the precursor to the more developed kidneys.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('pro-') and 'kidney' ('nephros') to remember that 'pronephros' refers to the early stage of kidney development.

Visually Confused Words