Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which body systems develop from the ectoderm?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
prenatal development
An ultrasound image of a human fetus.
The ectoderm is the outermost of the three primary germ layers formed during early embryonic development. It serves as the precursor to several critical structures and systems in the body, most notably the nervous system.12
Specifically, the ectoderm gives rise to the following:
- Nervous System: Both the brain and the spinal cord develop from the neural tube, which originates from the ectoderm.3
- Integumentary System: It forms the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), as well as hair, nails, and hooves.12
- Sensory and Surface Tissues: It contributes to the lens of the eye and the epithelia (lining tissues) of the nasal cavity, sinuses, mouth—including tooth enamel—and the anal canal.1
- Endocrine and Specialized Tissues: The ectoderm is the precursor to the pituitary body, chromaffin tissue, and mammary glands.12