1. Plural of mesonephros; the intermediate kidneys that develop in vertebrate embryos, functioning as the main excretory organs in fish and amphibians but largely degenerating in mammals.
Usage: technical; anatomy; embryology; plural form

Examples

• The mesonephroi are the functional kidneys in fish larvae during their early development.
• In mammalian embryos, the mesonephroi appear before the permanent metanephric kidneys develop.
• The mesonephroi give rise to parts of the male reproductive system in mammals.
• Amphibians retain functional mesonephroi throughout their adult lives.
• The mesonephroi are supplied by mesonephric arteries during embryonic development.