Correct option is C
Hepatic caecae are
digestive glandular outgrowths found in the
alimentary canal of many invertebrates, especially
insects (e.g., grasshoppers). They play a key role in
secreting digestive enzymes and aiding nutrient absorption. These structures are part of the
midgut, which is embryologically derived from the
endoderm.
Embryological Origin of Digestive Structures:
The three germ layers during embryonic development give rise to different organ systems:
·
Ectoderm: Forms the outer covering of the body, nervous system, and the
foregut and hindgut linings (only their epithelial parts).
·
Mesoderm: Gives rise to muscles, circulatory system, skeleton, and other support tissues.
·
Endoderm: Develops into the
epithelial lining of the midgut and the
digestive glands (e.g., liver, pancreas in vertebrates, hepatic caecae in invertebrates).
Since
hepatic caecae arise from the midgut, their embryological origin is clearly from the
endoderm.
Explanation for Each Option
(a) Ectoderm ❌
· Ectoderm forms the
outermost layer of the body and contributes to the
nervous system, skin, and linings of the
foregut and hindgut, not midgut-derived structures like hepatic caecae.
(b) Mesoderm ❌
· Mesoderm forms
muscles, bones, and blood vessels, not the
epithelial lining or secretory organs of the midgut.
(c) Endoderm ✅
· This is the
correct layer, responsible for forming the
epithelium of the midgut and its
glandular outgrowths, such as hepatic caecae.