ectoderm
Sign in to saveThe ectoderm is one of the three primary germ layers formed in early embryonic development. It is the outermost layer, and is superficial to the mesoderm (the middle layer) and endoderm (the innermost layer). It emerges and originates from the outer layer of germ cells. The word ectoderm comes from the Greek ektos meaning "outside", and derma meaning "skin".
Key facts
- Embryology.Name
- Ectoderm
- Embryology.Image
- Ectoderm.png
- Embryology.Caption
- Organs derived from ectoderm.
- Embryology.Image2
- Gray11.png
- Embryology.Caption2
- Section through embryonic disk of Vespertilio murinus.
- Embryology.Days
- 16
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
12 sectionsContents
- History
- Differentiation
- Initial appearance
- Early development
- Gastrulation
- Later development
- Neurulation
- Organogenesis
- Clinical significance
- Ectodermal dysplasia
- See also
- References
The ectoderm is one of the three primary germ layers formed in early embryonic development. It is the outermost layer, and is superficial to the mesoderm (the middle layer) and endoderm (the innermost layer). It emerges and originates from the outer layer of germ cells. The word ectoderm comes from the Greek ektos meaning "outside", and derma meaning "skin".
Generally speaking, the ectoderm differentiates to form epithelial and neural tissues (spinal cord, nerves and brain). This includes the skin, linings of the mouth, anus, nostrils, sweat glands, hair and nails, and tooth enamel. Other types of epithelium are derived from the endoderm.