Chapter 15. Neural Tube

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the development of the neural tube and associated processes.

Neural Tube

The structure formed during neurulation that develops into the central nervous system.

Ectoderm

The outermost layer of cells in an embryo that develops into the neural tube.

Neurulation

The process during which the neural tube is formed.

Primary Neurulation

The rolling up of the neural plate to form a tube.

Secondary Neurulation

The formation of a solid mass of tissue that hollows out to form a tube, particularly at the posterior end in mammals.

BMP (Bone Morphogenetic Protein)

A signaling molecule that specifies the cellular fate of the ectoderm.

Cadherins

Proteins that mediate cell-cell adhesion, crucial during neural tube closure.

Folic Acid Deficiency

A condition correlated with neural tube defects; important for DNA methylation.

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh)

A signaling molecule produced by the notochord that induces ventral neural tube formation.

Spina Bifida

A defect in human neural tube closure where the posterior neural tube does not close.

Anencephaly

A defect where the anterior neural tube does not close, leading to impaired development of the forebrain and skull.

Dorsal-Ventral Differences

The differential development of sensory and motor neurons in the spinal cord based on signaling from adjacent tissues.

Convergent Extension

A process where cells move closer together in the horizontal plane, contributing to the elongation of the neural plate.

Notochord

A structure that influences the development of surrounding tissue, including the neural tube.

Neural Crest

Cells that migrate from the edges of the neural folds and give rise to various cell types including peripheral neurons.