Definition
The mesoblast is a cell or group of cells that gives rise to the mesoderm during embryonic development. Think of it as the 'precursor' to the mesoderm. It's like the raw materials before they are shaped into something specific. The mesoblast cells divide and differentiate to form various mesodermal tissues, such as muscle and bone. It is analogous to the ectoblast for ectoderm. These are early-stage cells, destined to form the middle layer. 🌱