ectoderm

American  

[ek-tuh-durm] / ˈɛk təˌdɜrm /

noun

Embryology.

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

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

Dr Nakanoh customised culture conditions for hPSCs and found that the supplements Activin A, BMP4, a GSK3-beta inhibitor, and a MEK inhibitor promoted their differentiation into amniotic ectoderm.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 4, 2024

In contrast, high density culturing led to cells that expressed markers for surface ectoderm but not amniotic ectoderm.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 4, 2024

Diploblasts have a non-living layer between the endoderm and ectoderm.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

The egg of Hydra is said to be fertilized as it lies at the base of the ectoderm, through which the fertilizing spermatozoon bores its way.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

Related Words

• fur
• leather
• skin
• wool