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What is the Ectoderm?

Simone Lawson
Simone Lawson

The ectoderm is an external layer of germ embryo. In this form, it is in its beginning stages before developing into tissue that covers the body. It is one of the three primary germinal layers, the other layers being the mesoderm and the endoderm. The ectoderm develops the nervous system, external sensory organs as well as the hair and skin glands.

The ectoderm itself consists of three separate parts: surface ectoderm, neural ectoderm and neural crest. The surface ectoderm is responsible for developing the crystalline lens, meibomian glands, and the eyelid epidermis. Surface ectoderm also forms skin, tooth enamel and the mucous membrane of the mouth. These developments typically begin in humans during the fourth week of life development, continuing through the second trimester.

The neural ectoderm acts to form the retina, optic nerve fibers, iris muscles and retinal pigment epithelium.
The neural ectoderm acts to form the retina, optic nerve fibers, iris muscles and retinal pigment epithelium.

The neural ectoderm acts to form the retina, optic nerve fibers, iris muscles and retinal pigment epithelium. This part of the ectoderm contains the neural tube, which is responsible for developing the central nervous system. The neural tube is considered the precursor of the spinal cord. On approximately the 16th day of development, the neural ectoderm begins to form, and the neural tube is usually formed by the 21st day of development.

The neural crests assist in the development of parts of the skeletal system.
The neural crests assist in the development of parts of the skeletal system.

The front of the neural tube is where three major brain areas are formed. The front area of the brain, the midbrain and the hindbrain are all formed in the neural tube. These three areas of the brain divide again during the seventh week of development.

The neural crests are cells that form ciliary muscle, trabecular meshwork and corneal stroma. These cells also assist in the development of parts of the skeletal system, autonomic nervous system and hormone producing cells. This part of the ectoderm is located between the epidermis and neural tube. The neural crest actually consists of embryonic cells that are cut off during the development of the neural tube.

Surface ectoderm begin in humans during the fourth week of life development, and continue through the second trimester.
Surface ectoderm begin in humans during the fourth week of life development, and continue through the second trimester.

The cells of the neural crest do not remain as part of the central nervous system. Instead, these cells move throughout the body to different locations to contribute to the development of other diverse structures. The movement of the cells is highly complex and directed by inhibitory signals from other cells. Neural cells contribute to the development of bones, cartilage and connective tissues.

Cells that migrate from the neural crest contribute to the brain's ability to continue the growth process into the adult stages of development. Glial cells develop and continue to divide and multiply. These cells insulate the brain nerve cells in order to support brain function after birth.

Discussion Comments

feasting

@DylanB – I think that just about everything has an ectoderm. Every creature from a frog to a plant has a form of it. Are there any living things that do not have some version of ectoderm?

DylanB

In jellyfish, the ectoderm is their outer protective layer. Since they have no skin, I suppose they need some form of shelter from the outside world.

I was fascinated by jellyfish after visiting an aquarium as a teenager. My brother-in-law is a marine biologist, so he can tell me just about anything there is to know about sea creatures.

He told me that they have a jelly-like mass under the ectoderm. It's sandwiched between the ectoderm and the endoderm, where the digestive system lies. The ectoderm protects both the jelly and the digestive parts.

StarJo

My friend's daughter has ectodermal dysplasia. She was born with this condition, and she will have it all her life.

She has no hair on her body, and she also has no teeth. She has dental implants that enable her to chew.

She is also really sensitive to the sun. She will never be able to play outside.

Ectodermal dysplasia has a wide variety of symptoms, and while one person may suffer from a few, another person may have an entirely different set of several symptoms.

Perdido

The ectoderm gives rise to quite a few important things! It's hard to believe that after just a few short weeks in existence, nerves, skin, and hair start to develop. It really doesn't take that long for a tiny embryo to start looking like a human.

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    • The neural ectoderm acts to form the retina, optic nerve fibers, iris muscles and retinal pigment epithelium.
      By: kocakayaali
      The neural ectoderm acts to form the retina, optic nerve fibers, iris muscles and retinal pigment epithelium.
    • The neural crests assist in the development of parts of the skeletal system.
      By: 7activestudio
      The neural crests assist in the development of parts of the skeletal system.
    • Surface ectoderm begin in humans during the fourth week of life development, and continue through the second trimester.
      By: Halfpoint
      Surface ectoderm begin in humans during the fourth week of life development, and continue through the second trimester.