Neural crest cells

Definition

Neural crest cells are a unique population of cells that arise during the development of vertebrates from the embryonic ectoderm. These cells play a crucial role in the formation of various structures, such as the peripheral nervous system, facial cartilage, and melanocytes, contributing significantly to vertebrate morphology and function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neural crest cells are formed at the border between the neural tube and the non-neural ectoderm during embryonic development.
2. These cells migrate extensively throughout the developing embryo, leading to their contribution to multiple tissues and organ systems.
3. Neural crest cells are responsible for forming key structures in vertebrates, including craniofacial bones, cartilage, and parts of the heart.
4. Disruptions in the development or migration of neural crest cells can lead to various congenital disorders, such as craniofacial abnormalities.
5. Research on neural crest cells is vital for understanding evolutionary biology, as they contribute to the diversity of vertebrate forms and functions.

Review Questions

• What roles do neural crest cells play in vertebrate development, and how do their migration patterns affect anatomical structures?
  • Neural crest cells are crucial for forming many anatomical structures in vertebrates due to their ability to migrate throughout the developing embryo. They contribute to the peripheral nervous system, craniofacial bones and cartilage, and other tissues. The patterns of migration influence where these cells ultimately settle, impacting the morphology and functionality of various structures in adult organisms.
• Discuss how defects in neural crest cell development can lead to congenital disorders and provide examples of such conditions.
  • Defects in neural crest cell development can cause a range of congenital disorders due to their role in forming critical structures. For instance, conditions like cleft palate result from improper migration or differentiation of these cells. Additionally, neurocristopathies encompass a spectrum of disorders linked to abnormalities in neural crest cell functions, affecting structures derived from these cells.
• Evaluate the significance of neural crest cells in evolutionary biology, particularly regarding vertebrate diversity.
  • Neural crest cells are significant in evolutionary biology because they contribute to many structures that differentiate vertebrates from other animal groups. Their ability to migrate and differentiate into diverse cell types has led to unique adaptations across species. This diversity is evident in features such as facial structure variations among vertebrates, showcasing how neural crest cell evolution has shaped vertebrate morphology and function throughout history.

Related terms

ectoderm:

The outermost layer of cells in an embryo that gives rise to the skin, nervous system, and various other structures.

somites: Blocks of mesodermal tissue that develop alongside the neural tube in embryos, contributing to the formation of the vertebrae and skeletal muscles.

melanocytes: Specialized skin cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes.