The mesoderm is one of the three germ cell layers in an embryo, developing into muscles, bones, reproductive and urinary systems, and other internal organs. Different layers within the mesoderm differentiate into specific organs and body parts, forming a coelom for organ development and protection.
The mesoderm is one of the three main layers in a developing embryo, referred to as the germ cell layers. Other layers of germ cells are the endoderm and the ectoderm. As the embryo develops, different organs and body parts develop from these germ cell layers. Muscles, bones, some skin tissues, connective tissues, reproductive and urinary systems, and other internal organs develop from the mesoderm. The embryos of all complex animals, including humans, contain mesodermal layers in their early development.
The way the mesoderm works in the development of an embryo is representative of the complex process by which humans and other vertebrates develop in the uterus. Each of the various layers in the initial embryo begins as relatively simple structures, then changes and grows to form the many interacting parts needed to make a functioning living creature. Each layer becomes organs and tissues that depend on tissues and organs created in other layers, so that each layer’s development must occur correctly in order to develop into a viable fetus.
Within the mesoderm itself, there are additional layers that differentiate into different organs and body parts during gestation. Each of these subdivisions develops into a different set of organs and other tissues in the body. The other two layers, the ectoderm and endoderm, eventually become outer tissue such as skin and teeth (ectoderm) and inner tissue that lines most internal organs (endoderm). This developmental process is similar in most vertebrates.
One of the layers of the mesoderm is the lateral plate mesoderm. This portion of the embryonic tissue divides into layers that develop into the body wall as well as the wall of the intestine and the circulatory system. Another layer, the intermediate mesoderm, becomes the urinary and reproductive systems. Paraxial mesoderm becomes facial muscles, vertebrae, skeletal muscles, and the dermis layer of the skin. Chordamesoderm, or axial mesoderm, develops in various parts of the spine.
Another advantage of this means of development is that a coelom, or body cavity, forms early in the process. Within this cavity, there is room for the various internal organs to develop. When the animal is mature, the body cavity, located in the abdomen, houses most of the vital organs, providing protection for such delicate and important body parts as the heart, lungs and intestines. The lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum, also arises from mesoderm during early development.
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