mesoderm

[ mez-uh-durm, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh- ]

noun

, Embryology.

1. the middle germ layer of a metazoan embryo.

mesoderm

/ ˈmɛsəʊˌdɜːm /

noun

1. See endoderm, ectoderm
   the middle germ layer of an animal embryo, giving rise to muscle, blood, bone, connective tissue, etc See also ectoderm endoderm

mesoderm

/ mĕz′ə-dûrm′ /

1. The middle of the three primary germ layers of the embryos of vertebrates and other complex animals. In vertebrates, the mesoderm gives rise to the muscles, bones, cartilage, connective tissue, blood, blood and lymph vessels, dermis, kidneys, and gonads. The mesoderm develops during gastrulation from either the ectoderm or the endoderm. The embryos of simpler animals lack a mesoderm.
2. Compare ectoderm

Derived Forms

• ˌmesoˈdermal, adjective

Other Words From

• meso·dermal meso·dermic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesoderm¹

First recorded in 1870–75; meso- + -derm

Example Sentences

Ahlborn, in 1884, drew a sharp distinction between the segments of the mesoderm and those of the endoderm.

From Project Gutenberg

Then came two segments, the mandibular, in which muscles are formed both from the ventral and from the dorsal mesoderm-segments.

From Project Gutenberg

The mesoderm is, if we may judge from the number of organs which are derived from it, much the most important of the three layers.

From Project Gutenberg

But in some groups the mesoderm is actually laid down in cleavage, and is present at the end of that process.

From Project Gutenberg

The former is called simply epithelial mesoderm, the latter mesenchyme.

From Project Gutenberg