Surface Ectoderm

The surface ectoderm (or external ectoderm) forms the following structures:

  • Skin (only epidermis; dermis is derived from mesoderm) (along with glands, hair, and nails)
  • Epithelium of the mouth and nasal cavity salivary glands, and glands of mouth and nasal cavity
  • Tooth enamel (as a side note, dentin and dental pulp are formed from ectomesenchyme which is derived from ectoderm (specifically neural crest cells and travels with mesenchmyal cells)
  • Epithelium of anterior pituitary
  • Lens, cornea, lacrimal gland, tarsal glands and the conjunctiva of the eye
  • Apical ectodermal ridge inducing development of the limb buds of the embryo.
  • Sensory receptors in epidermis

Famous quotes containing the word surface:

    “See how peaceful it is here. The sea is everything. An immense reservoir of nature where I roam at will.... Think of it. On the surface there is hunger and fear. Men still exercise unjust laws. They fight, tear one another to pieces. A mere few feet beneath the waves their reign ceases, their evil drowns. Here on the ocean floor is the only independence. Here I am free.”
    —Earl Felton, and Richard Fleischer. Captain Nemo (James Mason)