Ectoderm

Ectoderm is the outermost layer of cells in the developing embryo of all animals. It serves to form the epidermis and its derivatives, such as the nervous system and sensory organs. Ectoderm is extremely important in development as it provides stimuli for the growth of other cell layers and the organs derived from them. Ectoderm is thus a crucial layer in the formation of an organism’s body plan and is vital for proper functioning in later life. It also plays an important role in tissue regeneration, and its malfunction can lead to a range of diseases.