Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
Published on: August 9, 2014
Different modes of pronephric duct origin among vertebrates
Abstract:
It is possible to distinguish differences in pronephric duct morphogenesis by using scanning electron microscopy to observe the results of blocking, marking and grafting experiments as well as the normal course of development. Here we compare the mode of pronephric duct development in embryos representing three orders of vertebrates: birds (class, Aves; order, Gallus); frogs (class, Amphibia; order, Anura); and salamanders (class, Amphibia; order, Urodela). The axolotl (a urodele) pronephric duct is formed by the caudal extension of a solid stream of cells segregated below somites 2 through 7. During its migration, cells are rearranged so that a short, wide rudiment is extended to form a long, thin one of similar volume. The pronephric duct rudiment of Xenopus laevis (an anuran) shows no evidence of caudal migration. Rather, pronephric duct cells are segregated out in situ by the formation of a fissure which separates them from the lateral plate mesoderm over ten somite widths. The chick pronephric duct forms a part of the intermediate mesoblast that extends by a caudal migration which does not, however, involve extensive cell rearrangements. Instead, cells near the tip of the duct rudiment in the chick proliferate, extending the duct by true growth as well as by active cell locomotion.
Related Concept Videos
Phylogeny
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...

