Term: ectoderm
Origin: Anc Greek
εκ, έξω/ec, exo(=outside, external)
δέρμα/derma(==skin beneath the epidermis)
δέρμα/derma(==skin beneath the epidermis)
> δέρμα --> δεσμά/desma(=bonds) because skin keeps the body tight
 |
| Karl Ernst von Baer (1792 - 1876 ) |
> δέρω/dero(=to peel, to flay)
Coined
 |
| Robert Remak (1815-1865) |
German anatomist Christian Heinrich Pander (1794-1865) first described the existence of three germ layers in chick embryos. The concept was later extended by Esthonian embryologist Karl Ernst von Baer (1792 - 1876 ) to include all vertebrates. Finally Prussian embryologist Robert Remak (1815-1865) coined the names of trhee layers.
Definition
Ectoderm is the outmost of the germ layers formed during animal embryogenesis; This type of cell layer produces brain, CNS and epidermis. The other two layers are the mesoderm and ectoderm.
