ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Human renal development involves two basic processes, the morphological development of kidney cells and structure followed by the acquisition of function. The anatomic formation of the human kidney occurs exclusively in utero. However, the acquisition of adult-like function encompasses in utero and postnatal development, beginning concurrent with formation of the nephron and continuing with rapid attainment of mature functional capability occurring after birth. The processes occurring during morphological and functional development are quite different, but both are susceptible to toxic injury. The extended period of functional kidney development presents the potential for differing vulnerability to toxic insult compared to the adult kidney.
