Kidney: Stem and Progenitor Cell in Adults

The intermediate mesoderm, which is situated between the lateral and paraxial mesoderms of the embryonic germ layer, gives rise to the adult kidney. The kidney is a bean-shaped organ that plays an important role in the removal of waste products of metabolism and serves as the filtration system of the body. In the process of eliminating waste products like urea and ammonia, the kidneys also reabsorb water, glucose, and amino acids. It helps to maintain electrolytic balance by keeping a tab on acid-base balance. The kidney also serves to maintain blood pressure and secretes hormones like calcitriol and erythropoietin. It can also store excess glucose as glycogen and convert it back to glucose in times of energy need for the body.

The kidney is a complex ...