What does mesoblast mean?
A mesoblast is an embryonic cell or tissue that gives rise to mesoderm, the middle layer of the three basic germ layers from which an animal embryo develops. The term is especially associated with embryology, developmental biology, and some areas of medicine. Mesoblast cells differentiate into many important structures, including muscles, bones, blood, and connective tissues. In descriptive anatomy, “mesoblastic” is used in terms such as mesoblastic tissue and mesoblastic development. Although the word may sound unfamiliar outside scientific contexts, it names an important stage in the formation of the body: the specialized precursor cells from which a major embryonic tissue layer develops.
nounAn embryonic cell or group of cells that gives rise to mesoderm, one of the three primary layers of cells in the developing embryo. In later development, mesoblasts differentiate into tissues including muscle, bone, blood, and connective tissue.
- An embryonic cell or tissue that gives rise to mesoderm.
"During embryogenesis, mesoblast cells migrate to form the body's muscles, bones, and connective tissues."
"Mesoblast cells form much of the developing skeletal and muscular systems."
"The researcher studied how mesoblast cells migrate during embryonic development."
Used when referring to individual embryonic cells or distinct groups of cells that give rise to mesoderm.
"Mesoblasts from the developing embryo can be studied in culture."
A mesoblast is one of embryology's little builders: its descendants become much of the body's muscles, bones, blood, and connective tissues.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mesoblast
The word was formed in the 19th century from Greek mesos, meaning “middle,” and blastos, meaning “germ” or “sprout.” Its components reflect its developmental role in producing mesoderm, the middle embryonic germ layer. The same Greek roots also underlie related words such as mesoderm, mesentery, and mesenteric.
Related word forms
How mesoblast is actually used
This is primarily a scientific and medical term. It is used chiefly in embryology and developmental biology and is not ordinarily used in general conversation.
Easily confused with mesoblast
A mesoblast is an embryonic cell or tissue that produces the mesoderm, whereas mesoderm is the resulting middle germ layer itself.