has part has part has_part characteristic of part of has modifier ectoderm development abnormal germ layer development abnormal ectoderm development any abnormality in the formation of the outer of the three primary germ layers of the embryo (the others being mesoderm and endoderm) that originates in the epiblast and is formed during gastrulation; ectoderm is in contact with the amnionic cavity and gives rise to two distinct lineages, i.e. the surface ectoderm and the neural ectoderm; it is the source of Rathke's pouch and forms the central and peripheral nervous systems, the sensory epithelia of the eye, ear, and nose, the epidermis and its appendages (nails and hair), the mammary, pituitary and subcutaneous glands, the tooth enamel, and the mucous membranes of the mouth and anus MP:0001675 MPheno.ontology GO:0001705 quality abnormal