National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 495

Which germ layer gives rise to the skin?

Mesoderm

Ectoderm

The skin is derived from the ectoderm, which is one of the three primary germ layers formed during embryonic development. The ectoderm is responsible for forming various structures including the epidermis (the outer layer of skin), hair, nails, and several glands such as sweat and sebaceous glands.

The ectoderm also gives rise to the nervous system, which is why you might see choices involving neuroectoderm; however, it is specifically the ectoderm that directly contributes to skin formation. In contrast, the mesoderm primarily develops into muscles, bones, and the circulatory system, while the endoderm forms the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory systems, but not the skin. Therefore, understanding the roles of each germ layer clarifies why ectoderm is the correct choice for the development of skin.

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Endoderm

Neuroectoderm

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