Pronunciation: [ˈɛndə͡ʊblˌast] (IPA) 
Endoblast is a term used in biology to describe an embryo's innermost layer of cells. The word is spelled as "en-doh-blast." The "en-" prefix means "inside" or "within," while the "blast" suffix means "cell." The word is pronounced /ˈɛndoʊblæst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "en-" has a short "e" sound like in "pen," the "do" has a short "o" sound like in "hot," and the "bl" has a "bl" sound like in "blue."
The term "endoblast" refers to a specific type of embryonic tissue that forms during the early stages of animal development. It is one of the primary germ layers, the three main tissue layers from which all organs and tissues in the body ultimately arise.
The endoblast is also known as the endoderm, and it differentiates during gastrulation, a crucial stage of embryogenesis. The endoblast is typically located inside the embryo and gives rise to the innermost layer of cells in the developing organism. Generally, it encompasses the lining of various internal organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and respiratory system, among others.
During development, the endoblast undergoes complex interactions with the other germ layers, ectoblast (ectoderm) and mesoblast (mesoderm), leading to the formation of specific tissues and organs through a process called organogenesis. For instance, the endoblast contributes to the formations of the digestive system, including the mucosa, glands, and associated structures.
Overall, the endoblast plays a fundamental role in the development and differentiation of important internal organs and tissues essential for an organism's overall function and survival. This embryonic tissue's specified fate and function are critical to the proper formation and functioning of organs within the body, making it a vital component in the overall process of embryonic development.
Hypoblast, endoderm, the inner layer of the blastoderm.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "endoblast" is a compound word derived from two Greek roots: "endo" meaning "within" or "inside", and "blast" meaning "germ" or "budding cell". In biology, the word "endoblast" refers to the inner layer of cells in the developing embryo from which the digestive system and other internal organs are formed. The etymology of "endoblast" can be broken down as follows:
- "Endo" (from Greek "endon"): Used as a prefix in English scientific terminology, it denotes something located within or inside of something else.
- "Blast" (from Greek "blastos"): Referring to a bud, germ, or embryonic cell. In biology, it often indicates a precursor or undeveloped cell.
