epiblast (generic)
blastocyst
In amniote embryology the epiblast is a tissue derived from the inner cell mass in mammals and from the blastodisc in birds and reptiles, and it lies above the hypoblast. In mammalian embryogenesis its columnar cells sit adjacent to the trophoblast, whereas the cuboidal cells of the hypoblast lie closer to the blastocoele. Although the epiblast is often called the primary ectoderm, its developmental output is far broader: during gastrulation it differentiates to form all three layers of the trilaminar germ disc. In descriptions of the blastoderm it is the outer of the two layers formed during gastrulation, corresponding to primitive ectoderm during that process and to definitive ectoderm afterwards. This dual naming reflects the same tissue observed before and after the gastrulation movements that reorganise it.
In amniote animal embryology, the epiblast is a tissue type derived either from the inner cell mass in mammals or the blastodisc in birds and reptiles. It lies above the hypoblast. In mammalian embryogenesis, the columnar cells of the epiblast are adjacent to the trophoblast, while the cuboidal cells of the hypoblast are closer to the blastocoele. The epiblast, whilst referred to as the primary ectoderm, differentiates to form all three layers of the trilaminar germ disc in a process called gastrulation[WP]. The outer of the two layers of the blastoderm that form during gastrulation, corresponding to primitive ectoderm during gastrulation and to the definitive ectoderm after gastrulation[ZFA].
On this page
| Type | Organ |
| Parent Structure | embryonic structure |
| Latin Name | blastocyst |
| FMA ID | 296704 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the epiblast (generic)?
In amniote animal embryology, the epiblast is a tissue type derived either from the inner cell mass in mammals or the blastodisc in birds and reptiles. It lies above the hypoblast. In mammalian embryogenesis, the columnar cells of the epiblast are adjacent to the trophoblast, while the cuboidal cell
What is the Latin name for the epiblast (generic)?
The Latin name for the epiblast (generic) is blastocyst.
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Educational Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.
Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.
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