Gastrula

Gastrula is a stage in embryonic development in many animals. It is the phase of development that follows the blastula stage. During gastrulation, the embryo reorganizes itself into a three-layered structure known as the triploblast. These three germ layers are the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Overview

The gastrula stage is a fundamental phase in the embryonic development of most animals, including humans. The process of gastrulation forms the three primary germ layers of the embryo, which will later differentiate into all the organs and tissues of the organism.

Process

Gastrulation begins with the formation of the blastopore, an opening into the blastula. Cells from the surface of the blastula move inward through the blastopore, forming a new layer of cells within the embryo. This inward movement of cells is known as invagination.

The cells that move into the embryo form the endoderm and mesoderm, while the cells that remain on the outside become the ectoderm. The blastopore eventually becomes the anus in many animals, while the mouth is formed from a second opening that develops later.

Germ Layers

Ectoderm

The ectoderm forms the outermost layer of the embryo and will develop into the nervous system, the outer layer of skin, and the linings of the mouth and anus.

Mesoderm

The mesoderm forms the middle layer of the embryo. It will develop into the muscles, bones, blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and reproductive organs.

Endoderm

The endoderm forms the innermost layer of the embryo. It will develop into the lining of the digestive and respiratory systems, the liver, pancreas, and thyroid gland.

See Also

• Embryogenesis
• Blastula
• Ectoderm
• Mesoderm
• Endoderm

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