Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » metanephros

metanephros

(met′ə nef′räs′)

the excretory organ lying behind the mesonephros in an embryo, which in mammals, reptiles, and birds develops into the permanent, or adult, kidney

Origin: ModL < meta- + Gr nephros, kidney: see nephro-

Related Forms:

metanephric adjective

See metanephros in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The third and final excretory organ that develops in a vertebrate embryo. In birds, reptiles, and mammals it replaces the mesonephros as the functional excretory organ and develops into the adult kidney.

Origin:

Origin: meta-

Origin: + Greek nephros, kidney

Learn more about metanephros

metanephros medical definition

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD