Cell Differentation

What is the differentiation of cells?
Cell differentiation is a process in which a generic cell develops into a specific type of cell in response to specific triggers from the body or the cell itself. This is the process which allows a single celled zygote to develop into a multicellular adult organism which can contain hundreds of different types of cells. In addition to being critical to embryonic development, cell differentiation also plays a role in the function of many organisms, especially complex mammals, throughout their lives.

The steps involved in differentiation:  

 1. The Morula Stage

2. The Blastula Stage

3. The Gastrula Stage

4. The Neurula Stage

The germ layers and the systems formed from them:

Endoderm- The endoderm forms the epithelial lining of the whole of the digestive tube except part of the mouth and pharynx and the terminal part of the rectum.

Mesoderm- The mesoderm forms the skeletal muscle, the skeleton, the dermis of skin, connective tissue, the urogenital system, the heart, blood, and the spleen.

Ectoderm- The ectoderm forms the central nervous system, the lens of the eye, cranial and sensory, the ganglia and nerves, pigment cells, head connective tissues, the epidermis, hair, and mammary glands.