- The pronephros is the first transient nonfunctional kidney that develops in the embryo during the 3rd week and degenerates by the 5th week. - The mesonephros is the second kidney that develops and serves as the excretory organ while the definitive metanephros develops. It is also transient. - The adrenal cortex develops from primitive mesoderm medial to the urogenital ridge during the 4th week, while the adrenal medulla develops from migrating neural crest cells.