Germ band
- Pronunciation
- /GERM-band/
- Category
- Embryology
- Singular
- Germ band
- Plural
- Germ bands
Definition
A thickened, darkly pigmented stripe of cells along the ventral (belly) side of an early insect embryo.
Etymology
From the German word 'Keimband', meaning 'germ band'.
Example
The germ band in a Drosophila embryo will develop into the central nervous system and other body structures.
Related Terms
- Embryo
- Development
- Nervous system
Usage Notes
Germ bands are essential for proper embryonic development in insects.