An ectodermal placode is a thickening of the ectoderm that is the primordium of many structures derived from the ectoderm[GO]. [ http://amigo.geneontology.org/amigo/term/GO:0060788 ]
Term information
- AEO:0000218
With the exception of the adenohypophysis, homologues of the nonneurogenic placodes (e.g. placodes giving rise to the teeth, hair follicles and lens), appear to be lacking in invertebrate chordates.
in GO, covers optic, otic, olfactory, mammary, hair, tooth, sebaceous - and also insect structures
consder adding placodal ectoderm as a distinct class? Also place placodal ectoderm as develops_from ectoderm; need to check taxon-appropriateness