The innermost of the three primary germ layers of the embryo (ectoderm, mesoderm, e.); from it is derived the epithelial lining of the primitive gut tract and the epithelial component of the glands and other structures ( e.g., lower respiratory system) that develop as outgrowths from the gut tube. SYN: entoderm. [endo- + G. derma, skin]
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en·do·derm 'en-də-.dərm n the innermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of the epithelium of the digestive tract and its derivatives and of the lower respiratory tract also a tissue that is derived from this germ layer
en·do·der·mal .en-də-'dər-məl adj
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n.
the inner of the three germ layer of the early embryo, which gives rise to the lining of most of the alimentary canal and its associated glands, the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas. It also forms the lining of the bronchi and alveoli of the lung and most of the urinary tract.
• endodermal adj.
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en·do·derm (enґdo-dərm) [endo- + -derm] the innermost of the three primary germ layers of the embryo; from it are derived the epithelium of the pharynx, respiratory tract (except the nose), digestive tract, bladder, and urethra. Called also entoderm, endoblast, and entoblast. Cf. ectoderm and mesoderm.Medical dictionary. 2011.