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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
08:15
Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method
Published on: May 22, 2019
[Changes of the glomerular size during the human fetal kidney development]
Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo
|July 21, 2006
Summary
Kidney development shows superficial glomeruli are smallest and juxtamedullary glomeruli are largest. Glomerular diameter increases throughout fetal development, with significant differences between kidney zones early in gestation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Renal physiology
- Human embryology
Context:
- Nephrogenesis establishes a fixed number of nephrons by week 34 of gestation.
- Juxtamedullary nephrons have greater filtration capacity than superficial nephrons.
- Renal adaptation in newborns involves significant morphological and functional changes.
Purpose:
- To determine average glomerular diameter across kidney cortical zones during development.
- To identify periods of most rapid glomerular growth.
- To document differences in glomerular size among cortical zones.
Summary:
- Stereological analysis of 30 human fetal kidneys (IV-X lunar months) revealed superficial glomeruli are smallest and juxtamedullary glomeruli are largest.
- Average glomerular diameter increased from 0.057 mm (superficial) to 0.103 mm (juxtamedullary) by the 10th lunar month.
- Significant differences in glomerular diameter between cortical zones were observed in early gestation, diminishing with increased gestational age.
Impact:
- Provides detailed insights into human kidney development and nephron maturation.
- Highlights zone-specific glomerular growth patterns during fetal development.
- Contributes to understanding the structural basis of renal functional maturation in newborns.
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