The term ectoderm comes from the Greek for "outside skin." The ectoderm is the outermost germ layer in embryonic development. Several organs develop from this layer, including our own outermost organ--the skin!
Differentiation of the ectoderm layer also gives rise to the nervous system (including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves), the enamel of teeth, hair, nails, and the lining of our bodily passages. The sinuses and nasal cavity, the mouth, the sweat glands, and the anal cavity are all lined with epithelial tissue that develops from the ectoderm layer.
The other two germ layers of embryonic development are the mesoderm (meaning "middle skin") and the endoderm (meaning "inside skin"). These layers on to form other tissues, organs, and systems of the body, including the respiratory organs, blood vessels, digestive tract, and muscles.
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