Definitions for ectodermˈɛk təˌdɜrm
This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word ectoderm
ectoderm, exoderm, ectoblast(noun)
the outer germ layer that develops into skin and nervous tissue
Outermost of the three tissue layers in the embryo of a metazoan animal. Through development, it will produce the epidermis (skin) and nervous system of the adult.
the outer layer of the blastoderm; epiblast
the external skin or outer layer of an animal or plant, this being formed in an animal from the epiblast. See Illust. of Blastoderm
Origin: [Ecto- + -derm.]
Ectoderm is one of the three primary germ cell layers in the very early embryo. The other two layers are the mesoderm and endoderm, with the ectoderm as the most exterior 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 the nervous system, tooth enamel and the epidermis. It also forms the lining of mouth, anus, nostrils, sweat glands, hair and nails. In vertebrates, the ectoderm has three parts: external ectoderm, the neural crest, and neural tube. The latter two are known as neuroectoderm.
U.S. National Library of Medicine
The outer of the three germ layers of an embryo.
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