The word entoblast refers to the innermost layer of the embryonic germ cell, which gives rise to the digestive and respiratory systems. The word is spelled phonetically as /ˈɛn.təʊ.blast/ with emphasis on the "en" and "blast" syllables. The first syllable is pronounced as "en" with a schwa sound at the end, whereas the second syllable "toblast" is articulated as "toh-blast". The letters "e-n-t-o" represent the prefix meaning "inner". This term is commonly used in embryology and developmental biology research.
The term "entoblast" refers to a developmental cell layer found in the early stages of embryonic development of certain animals, particularly in the phylum Cnidaria. The entoblast is an inner cell layer that originates during gastrulation, a crucial phase in embryogenesis. It is derived from the invagination of the blastula, which forms a two-layered structure called the gastrula. The entoblast layer is located on the inside of this structure, opposite to the outer layer known as the ectoblast.
Functionally, the entoblast serves several important roles in embryonic development. It gives rise to the endoderm, which is a germ layer responsible for forming various internal structures, such as the gut, digestive organs, and respiratory system. The endoderm derived from the entoblast also contributes to the development of certain specialized cell types, including glandular cells and secretory cells.
In addition to being involved in tissue differentiation, the entoblast also plays a crucial role in establishing the body plan and overall development of the organism. It provides necessary signals and instructions for the cellular movements and rearrangements that take place during gastrulation and subsequent stages of embryogenesis. By giving rise to the endoderm, the entoblast helps shape the future body structure and differentiation, ensuring the proper development and functioning of the internal systems.
1. Endoblast, hypoblast. 2. A nucleolus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "entoblast" is derived from two parts: "ento-" and "-blast".
"Ento-" is a prefix that comes from the Greek word "entos", which means "within" or "inner". It is often used in scientific terminology to indicate something inside or internal. For example, "entomology" is the study of insects, and "entozoic" refers to parasites that live inside the body of another organism.
The suffix "-blast" is derived from the Greek word "blastos", which means "germ" or "bud". It is used to denote a developing or embryonic cell or tissue. For instance, in biology, terms such as "blastocyst" (an early stage of embryonic development) or "osteoblasts" (cells responsible for bone formation) use this suffix.