epiblast

[ ep-uh-blast ]

noun

, Embryology.

1. the primordial outer layer of a young embryo before the segregation of the germ layers, capable of becoming the ectoderm and containing cells capable of becoming the mesoderm and endoderm.

epiblast

/ ˈɛpɪˌblæst /

noun

1. embryol the outermost layer of an embryo, which becomes the ectoderm at gastrulation Also calledectoblast

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈblastic, adjective

Other Words From

• epi·blastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epiblast¹

First recorded in 1865–70; epi- + -blast

Example Sentences

The cells of the epiblast, up to the thirteenth hour, have chiefly undergone change in becoming smaller.

From Project Gutenberg

The epiblast spreads rapidly over the white yolk, and the area pellucida also increases in size.

From Project Gutenberg

There is considerable variation in size in the cells in different parts of the epiblast.

From Project Gutenberg

At the sides of the head the cells are larger than anywhere else in the epiblast, being here about 1/1000th inch in diameter.

From Project Gutenberg

The mesoblast cells are in contact with both hypoblast and epiblast, and appear to be fused with the latter.

From Project Gutenberg