Inner cell mass
Inner Cell Mass (ICM)
Inner Cell Mass (ICM) /ˈɪnər sɛl mæs/ is a group of cells found within the blastocyst during the early stages of embryonic development. These cells are responsible for the formation of the entire body of an organism, including extra-embryonic membranes.
Etymology
The term "Inner Cell Mass" is derived from its location and function. "Inner" refers to the position of these cells within the blastocyst, "Cell" refers to the basic biological unit, and "Mass" refers to the group or cluster of cells.
Function
The Inner Cell Mass differentiates into the epiblast and hypoblast, the two layers of the bilaminar germ disc. The epiblast layer further differentiates into the three primary germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. These germ layers give rise to all the tissues and organs of the body.
Related Terms
- Blastocyst: An early stage in the development of mammals, it contains the inner cell mass.
- Epiblast: The outermost layer of an embryo before it differentiates into ectoderm and mesoderm.
- Hypoblast: The innermost layer of an embryo, it contributes to the formation of the endoderm.
- Ectoderm: The outermost layer of cells or tissue of an embryo in early development.
- Mesoderm: The middle layer of an embryo in early development, between the endoderm and ectoderm.
- Endoderm: The innermost layer of cells or tissue of an embryo in early development.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Inner cell mass
- Wikipedia's article - Inner cell mass
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