1. In embryology, the initial cell grouping or tissue from which an organ or structure develops.
Usage: technical; biology

Examples

• The neural anlage gives rise to the brain and spinal cord during early embryonic development.
• Scientists studied the limb anlage to understand how appendages form in vertebrate embryos.
• The cardiac anlage begins to differentiate into the heart chambers during the third week of gestation.
• Researchers identified the gonadal anlage as the precursor to reproductive organs.