epiblast

[ ep-uh-blast ]

noun

, Embryology.

1. the primordial outer layer of a young embryo before the segregation of the germ layers, capable of becoming the ectoderm and containing cells capable of becoming the mesoderm and endoderm.

epiblast

/ ˈɛpɪˌblæst /

noun

1. embryol the outermost layer of an embryo, which becomes the ectoderm at gastrulation Also calledectoblast

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈblastic, adjective

Other Words From

• epi·blastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epiblast¹

First recorded in 1865–70; epi- + -blast

Example Sentences

At this point, the head develops from the inner cell layer of the cup, the epiblast, and the tail develops on the opposite side.

From Science Daily

The epiblast emits Nodal, while the lid, the extraembryonic endoderm, releases the counterpart BMP.

From Science Daily

To this end, they developed a novel embryo-like model system consisting of a layer of epiblast and a layer of VE cells -- a cup without a lid.

From Science Daily

"We were then able to see epiblast symmetry breaking, marked by BRA expression, for the first time with the high molecular resolution," says Riccardo De Santis, a research associate in the Brivanlou lab and lead author on the study.

From Science Daily

With this unprecedented clarity, the team directly observed two key moments in gastrulation: the first epiblast symmetry-breaking event and the emergence of the molecular markers of the primitive streak and mesoderm upon in vitro attachment.

From Science Daily