What are the primary germ layers and their significance?
The three primary germ layers formed during gastrulation are: - Ectoderm: This outer layer gives rise to the skin, central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system. - Mesoderm: The middle layer forms the muscles, bones, cardiovascular system, and other connective tissues. - Endoderm: The inner layer develops into the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and other internal organs.
Understanding these layers is crucial for histologists because each type of tissue has a specific embryonic origin. This knowledge helps in identifying tissue types and understanding their functions and pathologies.