Ectomesenchyme has properties similar to
mesenchyme. The origin of the ectomesenchyme is disputed. It is either like the mesenchyme, arising from
mesodermic cells, or conversely arising from
neural crest cells The neural crest is a critical group of cells that form in the
cranial region during early vertebrate development. Ectomesenchyme plays a critical role in the formation of the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck such as bones, muscles, teeth, and, notably, the
branchial arches.