Knowra Neural crest Neural crest The neural crest is a transient embryonic cell population that arises near the developing nervous system and migrates throughout the embryo. Its descendants form diverse tissues, including peripheral neurons, pigment cells, and much of the facial skeleton.
Neural tube : The embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord. Neural crest cells emerge at the boundary of the closing neural tube and surface ectoderm.
Gastrulation : The early embryonic process that reorganizes cells into germ layers and establishes body axes. Neural crest development follows this earlier reorganization of the embryo.
Hirschsprung disease : A congenital disorder in which enteric ganglion cells are absent from part of the intestine. Impaired migration or development of enteric neural crest cells can leave bowel segments without ganglia.
Placodes : Localized embryonic thickenings of ectoderm that generate sensory structures and cranial ganglia. Placodes share the head ectodermal environment but arise separately from neural crest.
Vertebrate head : The anterior body region of vertebrates, containing the brain, sensory organs, and supporting structures. Cranial neural crest contributes much of the connective tissue and skeleton of the face.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition : A process in which epithelial cells lose stable attachments and acquire migratory properties. Neural crest cells undergo this transition to leave their site of origin.
Neural plate : A region of embryonic ectoderm that folds to form the neural tube. Its border with non-neural ectoderm is a key site of neural crest induction.
Waardenburg syndrome : A group of inherited disorders involving pigmentary changes and, in some forms, hearing loss. Several forms involve genes governing neural crest development and melanocyte formation.
Mesoderm : The embryonic germ layer that forms structures including muscle, blood, and much of the skeleton. Many tissues made by neural crest resemble mesodermal derivatives but have a different embryonic origin.
Craniofacial development : The embryonic formation of the skull, face, jaws, and associated tissues. Neural crest cells supply major components of the developing face and jaw.
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