ectoderm

American  

[ek-tuh-durm] / ˈɛk təˌdɜrm /

noun

Embryology.

1. the outer germ layer in the embryo of a metazoan.

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ectoderm British  

/ ˈɛktəʊˌdɜːm /

noun

1. the outer germ layer of an animal embryo, which gives rise to epidermis and nervous tissue See also mesoderm endoderm

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ectoderm Scientific  

/ ĕk′tə-dûrm′ /

1. The outermost of the primary germ layers of an animal embryo. In vertebrates, the ectoderm gives rise to the epidermis and associated tissues (such as hair and sweat glands), enamel of the teeth, sense organs, nervous system, and lining of the nose, mouth, and anus.

2. Compare endoderm mesoderm

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Other Word Forms

• ectodermal
  adjective
• ectodermic
  adjective
• ectodermoidal
  adjective
• subectodermal
  adjective
• subectodermic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of ectoderm

First recorded in 1860–65; ecto- + -derm

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ectoderm

Using a co-culture technique to form cellular aggregates, he was able to confirm the ability of the generated amniotic ectoderm cells to initiate gastrulation.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 4, 2024

Vitally, Dr Nakanoh identified that the distinction between the two cell types depends on cell density; where cells become amniotic ectoderm in sparse conditions.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 4, 2024

The researchers tested variations in the culture media but cell density was the only factor that influenced the cell fate choice between amniotic ectoderm and surface ectoderm.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 4, 2024

The ectoderm develops into the outer epithelial covering of the body surface, the central nervous system, and a few other structures.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

It arises, however, by delamination from the ectoderm, the tube being a secondary acquisition.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

Related Words

• fur
• leather
• skin
• wool