key term - Neurulation

Definition

Neurulation is the process during embryonic development in which the neural plate forms the neural tube, which later develops into the central nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord. This critical phase occurs after gastrulation and involves the bending and closure of the neural plate along the embryo's dorsal surface.

Related terms

Neural Plate:

The flat layer of cells that rolls into a tube (neural tube) during neurulation to eventually form the central nervous system.

Gastrulation:

The phase of embryonic development preceding neurulation, where simple layers of cells undergo extensive reorganization to form three primary cell layers known as germ layers.

Neural Crest:

A group of cells that develops from the border where the neural tube closes and contributes to forming many structures in the organism, including some types of neurons and parts of the skull