What is another word for ectoblast?
Pronunciation: [ˈɛktəblˌast] (IPA) 
Ectoblast is a term typically used in embryology to describe the outer layer of cells in the early embryo that eventually give rise to the epidermis and nervous system. Some synonyms for ectoblast include ectoderm, epiblast, and outer cell mass. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe this outer layer of cells and their developmental fate. Other related terms include ectodermal placodes, which are thickened patches of ectoderm that become specialized structures like the lens of the eye and the olfactory epithelium. Regardless of the terminology used, the ectoblast plays a critical role in the development of the body plan and allows for the formation of a diverse array of tissues and organs.
