Gastrulation
Gastrulation
Gastrulation (/ɡæˈstrʊleɪʃən/) is a significant phase in the embryonic development of most animals, including humans. It involves the formation of three primary germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.
Etymology
The term "gastrulation" is derived from the Greek word "gaster," which means stomach. This is because one of the primary outcomes of gastrulation is the formation of the gut.
Process
Gastrulation begins after the blastula stage, when the embryo is a hollow ball of cells. The process starts with the formation of the primitive streak on the surface of the embryo. Cells from the surface migrate towards the primitive streak and move inward, forming the mesoderm and endoderm layers. The remaining cells on the surface become the ectoderm.
Germ Layers
- Ectoderm (/ˈɛktəˌdɜːrm/): The outermost layer that forms the skin, brain, and nervous system.
- Mesoderm (/ˈmɛzəˌdɜːrm/): The middle layer that forms the muscles, bones, and circulatory system.
- Endoderm (/ˈɛndəˌdɜːrm/): The innermost layer that forms the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems.
Related Terms
- Blastula (/ˈblæstjʊlə/): The stage of embryonic development preceding gastrulation.
- Primitive Streak (/ˈprɪmɪtɪv striːk/): The initial band of cells from which cells migrate during gastrulation.
- Neurulation (/nʊrʊˈleɪʃən/): The process following gastrulation in vertebrates, where the neural tube forms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gastrulation
- Wikipedia's article - Gastrulation
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