Neural tube and crest formation Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does the neural tube become?
The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
What induces neural tissue from ectoderm?
BMP inhibition (by noggin, chordin, follistatin)
What are the neural plate and groove?
Early structures that fold to form the neural tube
What forms the medial hinge point (MHP)?
Neural plate cells anchored to the notochord
What is convergent extension?
Process of elongating and narrowing the neural plate
What are dorsolateral hinge points (DLHPs)?
Regions that bend the neural folds for closure
What is the role of SHH in neural tube patterning?
Centralised the tube (floor plate and motor neurons)
What role does BMP play in neural patterning?
Dorsalises the tube (roof plate and sensory neurons)
What causes spina bifida?
Failure of posterior neural tube closure
What causes anencephaly?
Failure of anterior neural tube closure
Where do neural crest cells originate?
The border of the neural tube and epidermis
What process allows neural crest cells to migrate?
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
Name 3 neural crest derivatives.
Melanocytes, cranial nerves, adrenal medulla
What is the role of N-cadherin in neural tube formation?
Mediates adhesion within the neural tube
What happens to E-cadherin during EMT?
It is downregulated to promote migration
What guides neural crest cell migration?
Signalling molecules and ECM interactions
What types of neurons arise from neural crest cells?
Sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic neurons
Which region of the neural crest forms the enteric nervous system?
Vagal and sacral neural crest
What happens to the surface ectoderm after closure?
It fuses above the neural tube to form skin
What is neurulation?
The process of forming the neural tube from ectoderm
