Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

From which layer of cells does the digestive system develop during gestation?

1. Ectoderm.

2. Endoderm.

3. Mesoderm.

4. Trophoblast.

The correct answer is: Endoderm.

The digestive system develops primarily from the endoderm layer of cells during gestation. The endoderm is one of the three primary germ layers formed during embryonic development, with the other two being ectoderm and mesoderm. This layer will ultimately give rise to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, including structures such as the stomach, intestines, and liver. Understanding the roles of the different germ layers is critical in developmental biology. The ectoderm primarily forms the skin and nervous system, while the mesoderm gives rise to muscle, bone, and connective tissues. The trophoblast is related to the early stages of pregnancy, forming part of the placenta and is not involved in the development of the digestive system itself. Thus, the endoderm plays a crucial role in establishing the foundation for the entire digestive tract and its associated organs. This specificity is vital for grasping the nuances of embryonic development in relation to organ formation.