ectomere
/ˈɛktoʊˌmɪr/
noun
- A cell or segment that gives rise to the ectoderm in an early embryo.
- The biologist identified the ectomere under the microscope as the precursor to skin and nerve cells.
- During development, the ectomere divides to form the outer layer of the embryo.
- Damage to an ectomere can lead to problems with how the embryo's outer tissues form.