Researchers working at a national foundation for prematurity and birth defects are investigating the pathological changes that can occur during embryonic kidney development. Their research focuses on the inductive signals exchanged between the metanephric diverticulum and metanephric blastema that drive their differentiation into tissues forming the mature kidney. If a toxic insult occurs during early fetal development that selectively inhibits the renal structures formed by the metanephric blastema, which of the following adult derivatives will fail to develop?

Question

Researchers working at a national foundation for prematurity and birth defects are investigating the pathological changes that can occur during embryonic kidney development.  Their research focuses on the inductive signals exchanged between the metanephric diverticulum and metanephric blastema that drive their differentiation into tissues forming the mature kidney.  If a toxic insult occurs during early fetal development that selectively inhibits the renal structures formed by the metanephric blastema, which of the following adult derivatives will fail to develop?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ec160b_3751_7864_9249_a7da25284f83_MD0001_00 Embryonic kidney development involves the sequential formation of 3 sets of nephric systems termed the pronephros, mesonephros, and metanephros. The urinary structures formed during these stages are derived from the nephrogenic cord which develops from the urogenital ridge (intermediate mesoderm). Development of the metanephros begins with formation of the metanephric diverticulum (ureteric bud) which penetrates the sacral intermediate mesoderm to induce the formation of the metanephric blastema. The reciprocal exchange of inductive signals between the metanephric diverticulum and metanephric blastema drives their differentiation into the structures that form the mature kidney. The ureteric bud ultimately gives rise to the collecting system of the kidney, including the collecting tubules and ducts, major and minor calyces, renal pelvis, and the ureters (Choices A, C, D, and E). Educational objective: The metanephros (metanephric blastema) gives rise to the glomeruli, Bowman's space, proximal tubules, the loop of Henle, and distal convoluted tubules. The ureteric bud becomes the collecting system of the kidney, including the collecting tubules and ducts, major and minor calyces, renal pelvis, and the ureters.

Researchers Working at a National Foundation for Prematurity and Birth