The archenteron, also known as the gastrocoel, primitive digestive tube, or primitive gut, is the primary internal cavity that forms during gastrulation in a developing animal embryo.
Formation and Development
During gastrulation, cells migrate inward, creating a new cavity called the archenteron. This cavity is the precursor to the animal's digestive tract.
- It develops into the endoderm and mesoderm layers of the animal. These layers are crucial for forming internal organs and tissues.
Significance
The archenteron is a fundamental structure in embryonic development because it establishes the foundation for the digestive system.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Archenteron | Primitive gut of an embryo, which develops into the digestive tract. |
| Gastrulation | The process of forming the germ layers in an embryo. |
| Endoderm | The inner layer of the three germ layers. |
| Mesoderm | The middle layer of the three germ layers. |
