Term Name: apical ectodermal ridge
Synonyms: AER, apical epidermal ridge, crista ectodermalis apicalis
Definition: multilayered ectodermal region at the distal tip of a limb or fin bud necessary for the proper development of the underlying mesenchyme[MP,modified]. Along with the zone of polarizing activity, it is a crucial organizing region during limb development[WP].
Ontology: Cell Ontology [UBERON:0004356]

Relationships
is part of: ectoderm paired limb/fin bud
is a type of: embryonic structure
has subtype: apical ectodermal ridge dorsal fin apical ectodermal ridge median fin fold apical ectodermal ridge pelvic fin footplate apical ectodermal ridge handplate apical ectodermal ridge pectoral appendage apical ectodermal ridge pelvic appendage apical ectodermal ridge