Which one is produced by mesoderm?
A. Brain and notochord
B. Spinal cord and notochord C. Heart and notochord
D. Heart and brain
Correct Answer: C. Heart and notochord
Explanation
Question: Which one is produced by mesoderm?
To answer this, remember the three embryonic germ layers and what they form.
🔹 Mesoderm
The mesoderm is the middle germ layer. It mainly forms supporting, connective, muscular, and circulatory structures of the body.
Structures produced by mesoderm include:
- Muscles (skeletal, smooth, cardiac)
- Bones and cartilage
- Heart and blood vessels
- Blood and lymphatic system
- Kidneys and ureters
- Gonads (testes and ovaries)
- Dermis of skin
- Spleen
- Notochord
✅ So, if the option includes heart, blood vessels, muscles, bones, kidneys, or gonads → it is mesodermal in origin.
🔹 For comparison (to avoid confusion)
Ectoderm produces:
- Brain and spinal cord
- Nervous system
- Epidermis of skin
- Hair, nails, enamel of teeth
Endoderm produces:
- Lining of gastrointestinal tract
- Lining of respiratory tract
- Liver, pancreas
- Thyroid, parathyroid
✅ Final Answer (General)
👉 Structures like heart, muscles, bones, blood vessels, kidneys, and gonads are produced by mesoderm.
Other Options Details
Here is a clear description of all the options from an embryology (germ layer) point of view:
Option A. Brain and notochord
- Brain → develops from ectoderm (neuroectoderm).
- Notochord → develops from mesoderm.
- 👉 Since they arise from different germ layers, they are not from the same origin.
Option B. Spinal cord and notochord
- Spinal cord → develops from ectoderm (neural tube).
- Notochord → develops from mesoderm.
- 👉 Again, structures arise from different germ layers.
Option C. Heart and notochord
- Heart → develops from mesoderm (splanchnic mesoderm).
- Notochord → develops from mesoderm.
- ✅ Both structures originate from mesoderm.
Option D. Heart and brain
- Heart → mesoderm
- Brain → ectoderm
- 👉 Structures come from different germ layers.
Key Concept Summary
Structure Germ layer Brain Ectoderm Spinal cord Ectoderm Heart Mesoderm Notochord Mesoderm
✅ Correct combination from the same germ layer (mesoderm):
👉 Option C. Heart and notochord
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group