METANEPHRIC DUCT Meaning and
Definition
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The metanephric duct, also known as the Wolffian duct, is a crucial embryological structure that plays a vital role in the development of the urinary system in higher vertebrates, including mammals.
During the early stages of fetal development, the metanephric duct emerges as a pair of tubular structures that initially serve to transport urine from the primitive kidneys, known as the mesonephros, to the cloaca, the common duct through which both urine and feces are expelled. However, as the fetus continues to develop, the metanephric duct undergoes significant transformations to give rise to the definitive kidney structure.
In the later stages of fetal development, the metanephric duct interacts with another crucial structure known as the ureteric bud. This interaction prompts the formation and differentiation of the metanephric mesenchyme, a specialized group of cells that eventually develops into the nephrons, the functional units of the kidney responsible for urine production and filtration.
The metanephric duct ultimately undergoes complex branching morphogenesis to become the collecting duct system of the mature kidney, which includes the ureter, renal pelvis, and urethra. It also connects the developing kidney to the urinary bladder. In males, some parts of the metanephric duct contribute to the development of the reproductive system, including the seminal vesicles and the vas deferens.
Overall, the metanephric duct is an essential developmental structure that orchestrates the formation of the urinary system by interacting with other embryonic structures and enabling the differentiation of cells that ultimately form the functioning kidneys.
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A ureter developing from the metanephron.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METANEPHRIC DUCT
- netanephric duct
- ketanephric duct
- jetanephric duct
- mwtanephric duct
- mstanephric duct
- mdtanephric duct
- mrtanephric duct
- m4tanephric duct
- m3tanephric duct
- meranephric duct
- mefanephric duct
- meganephric duct
- meyanephric duct
- me6anephric duct
- me5anephric duct
- metznephric duct
- metsnephric duct
- metwnephric duct
- metqnephric duct
- metabephric duct
Etymology of METANEPHRIC DUCT
The word "metanephric duct" is derived from two root words: "meta-" and "nephric", combined with the word "duct".
The prefix "meta-" comes from the Greek word "meta", meaning "change" or "beyond". In medical terminology, "meta-" is commonly used to indicate something that is beyond or after a specific structure or process.
The term "nephric" is derived from the Greek word "nephros", which means "kidney". It is used to refer to structures or processes related to the kidneys.
Lastly, "duct" refers to a tube or channel that allows the passage of fluids or substances.
Combining these components, the term "metanephric duct" specifically refers to a tubular structure beyond or after the kidney that serves as a duct or channel for transporting fluids or substances.
