endoderm

American  

[en-duh-durm] / ˈɛn dəˌdɜrm /

noun

1. Also called endoblast. Embryology. the innermost cell layer of the embryo in its gastrula stage.

2. Anatomy. the innermost body tissue that derives from this layer, as the gut lining.

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endoderm British  

/ ˈɛndəʊˌdɜːm /

noun

1. the inner germ layer of an animal embryo, which gives rise to the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts See also ectoderm mesoderm

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endoderm Scientific  

/ ĕn′də-dûrm′ /

1. The innermost of the primary germ layers of an animal embryo. In vertebrates, the endoderm gives rise to the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract (except mouth and anus), glands associated with the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and urethra.

2. Compare ectoderm mesoderm

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Other Word Forms

• endodermal
  adjective
• endodermic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of endoderm

1825–35; < French endoderme; see endo-, -derm

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

endoderm

During normal embryonic development, they give rise to three major cell types: endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 28, 2026

At the bottom of the cup, a new cell population develops in the outer cell layer, the visceral endoderm.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2024

After gastrulation, the embryo can be thought of as an onion with three layers: the ectoderm, the mesoderm and the endoderm.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 19, 2023

Sandwiched between the endoderm and the ectoderm is a non-living layer.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

The endoderm consists mainly of comparatively large cells with polygonal bases which can be seen from the external surface of the column in colourless individuals.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Nelson Annandale

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