germ layer

/dʒərm ˌleɪər/

Other forms: germ layers

Definitions of germ layer

1. noun

   (embryology) any of the 3 layers of cells differentiated in embryos following gastrulation
   types:

   ectoblast, ectoderm, exoderm

   the outer germ layer that develops into skin and nervous tissue

   mesoblast, mesoderm

   the middle germ layer that develops into muscle and bone and cartilage and blood and connective tissue

   endoblast, endoderm, entoblast, entoderm, hypoblast

   the inner germ layer that develops into the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems

   neural tube

   a tube of ectodermal tissue in the embryo from which the brain and spinal cord develop

   chordamesoderm, chordomesoderm

   the area of mesoderm that forms the notochord

   mesenchyme

   mesodermal tissue that forms connective tissue and blood and smooth muscles

   type of:

   embryonic tissue

   tissue in an embryo