Periblast is a term used in embryology to describe the outer layer of cells in a blastula that gives rise to the embryo's body. The word is pronounced as pɛrɪˌblæst, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of periblast follows the common phonetic patterns of English, where "e" is pronounced as /ɛ/ and "i" as /ɪ/. The suffix "-blast" comes from the Greek word "blastos," meaning "germ" or "sprout." Overall, the spelling respects English's historical roots while borrowing from another language to form this term.
Periblast refers to the outer layer or blastoderm of an embryo during its early developmental stages. In embryology, the periblast is the specialized layer of cells derived from the blastodisc, which subsequently develops into the extraembryonic tissues.
Derived from the Greek words "peri" meaning around and "blast" meaning germ or bud, the term periblast aptly describes the role of this layer of cells as the outer covering around the germinal bud during embryogenesis. It can be found in various organisms, including embryos of reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The periblast serves several crucial functions during embryonic development. It acts as a protective barrier surrounding the embryo, shielding it from potential harm or damage. In addition, it serves as a site for cellular proliferation and differentiation, leading to the formation of various specialized tissues. The periblast also plays a crucial role in the establishment of embryonic polarity, providing positional information for future cell fate determination.
Overall, the periblast is a vital component of early embryonic development, contributing to the formation of extraembryonic tissues and ensuring the proper growth and differentiation of the embryo. Its presence and function are essential for the successful development of complex organisms.
Periplast.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "periblast" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "peri" meaning "around" or "near" and "blastos" meaning "germ" or "bud". The term "periblast" was originally coined in embryology to refer to the outer layer of cells that surrounds the yolk in the early stage of embryo development. It is also used in botany to describe the layer of cells surrounding the embryo sac in flowering plants.