1. the outermost layer of cells in an embryo that develops into the skin, nervous system, and sensory organs
Usage: biology

Examples

• The ectoderm gives rise to the brain and spinal cord during embryonic development.
• Skin cells originate from the ectoderm layer.
• The three primary germ layers are the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.
• Neural tissue develops from ectodermal cells.
• The ectoderm forms the outer covering of the developing embryo.
• Scientists study how the ectoderm differentiates into various tissues.