ecto-, ect-

The layer of cells that covers the outer surface of the three primary germ layers of of multicellular animal embryos, from which the epidermis, nervous tissue, and, in vertebrates, sense organs develop.

A disorder of any organ or tissue developed from the ectoderm (outer layer of the three germ layers of the embryo that develop into the epidermis and neural tissue).

A reference to certain pathogenic micro-organisms that are able to live and develop outside of their hosts.

Not within a globular body; specifically, not within a red blood cell: When viewing some red blood cells under the microscope, Jill was surprised to discover an ectoglobular cell that contained a disorder or a lack of important content.

Any effect on the maternal organism brought about by the embryo or fetus during pregnancy.

1. A parahormonal chemical mediator of ecologic significance that is secreted, largely by an organism (usually an invertebrate) into its immediate environment (air or water); it can alter the behavior or functional activity of a second organism, often of the same species as that secreting the ectohormone.
2. A hormone secreted to the outside of the body; such as, a pheromone.