Final answer:
Ectopic tissue is normal tissue found in an abnormal location due to embryonic maldevelopment, originating from one of the three germ layers and possibly affecting the function and structure of the involved area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that identifies microscopically and functionally normal cells or tissues found in an abnormal location due to embryonic maldevelopment is ectopic tissue. During embryogenesis, three primary germ layers (the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) give rise to all the cells and tissues in the body. Ectopic tissue is an anomaly where the tissue develops from these germ layers but is situated in a location that is not typical for that particular kind of tissue. This can occur due to various reasons, including embryonic maldevelopment where the cell migration patterns are disturbed. For instance, mesenchyme, which gives rise to connective tissues, might be found in abnormal locations, leading to ectopic formations. Such occurrences can impact the function and architecture of the involved area, but the tissues themselves retain their normal microscopic and functional characteristics.