The nephrogenic cord is a portion of the urogenital ridge which is the source of much of the urinary system.The intermediate mesoderm forms the kidneys and the ureters.The nephrogenic cords are bilateral condensations of the intermediate mesoderm. The cords extend from the cervical segments to the sacral segments of the embryo. The nephrogenic cords are located on the posterior wall of the embryo, which is where you want the kidneys to be.