Neurulation definitions
| Word backwards | noitaluruen |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The part of speech of the word neurulation is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | neu-ru-la-tion |
| Plural | The plural of the word neurulation is neurulations. |
| Total letters | 11 |
| Vogais (5) | e,u,a,i,o |
| Consonants (4) | n,r,l,t |
Neurulation is a critical process in embryonic development that involves the formation of the neural tube, which gives rise to the central nervous system. This intricate process occurs during the third and fourth weeks of gestation in human embryos.
During neurulation, a flat sheet of ectoderm, known as the neural plate, begins to fold inward along the midline, forming a neural groove. This process is initiated by a series of signaling molecules and transcription factors that regulate the pattern of gene expression in the developing embryo.
Formation of Neural Crest Cells
As the neural plate continues to fold, the edges of the neural groove fuse together, creating the neural tube. Simultaneously, a group of cells along the edges of the neural plate undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, becoming neural crest cells. These cells are crucial for the development of various structures in the body, including the peripheral nervous system, craniofacial skeleton, and pigment cells.
Role of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling plays a vital role in coordinating the process of neurulation. Shh is secreted by the notochord and floor plate of the neural tube, establishing a gradient that influences the patterning of the neural plate and the specification of different cell types along the dorsoventral axis.
Disruption of Neurulation
Defects in neurulation can lead to severe developmental abnormalities, such as neural tube defects (NTDs), including spina bifida and anencephaly. These conditions can result from genetic mutations, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of NTDs by promoting proper neurulation.
In conclusion, neurulation is a highly orchestrated process that is essential for the formation of the central nervous system. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in neurulation is crucial for preventing developmental disorders and improving outcomes for affected individuals.
Neurulation Examples
- During embryonic development, neurulation is the process by which the neural plate folds to form the neural tube.
- Defects in neurulation can lead to serious birth defects such as spina bifida.
- Scientists study the molecular mechanisms of neurulation to better understand neural tube formation.
- Neurulation begins with the formation of the neural plate along the embryo's back.
- The process of neurulation is essential for the proper development of the central nervous system.
- Neurulation involves complex cellular movements and interactions that are tightly regulated.
- Mutations in genes involved in neurulation can disrupt normal neural tube closure.
- Scientists use animal models to study the genetic and environmental factors influencing neurulation.
- Understanding neurulation is crucial for developing interventions to prevent neural tube defects.
- Neurulation marks a critical stage in early vertebrate development with implications for long-term health.