1. The outer germ layer of an embryo; the ectoderm.
Usage: biology; embryology; technical

Examples

• The ectoblast gives rise to the nervous system and skin.
• During early embryonic development, the ectoblast differentiates into various tissues.
• The ectoblast is one of the three primary germ layers in vertebrate embryos.
• Cells from the ectoblast eventually form the brain and spinal cord.