NEURAL CRESTS Meaning and
Definition
-
Neural crests, also known as neural crest cells, refer to a group of cells that emerge from the dorsal neural tube during early vertebrate embryonic development. These cells are unique as they possess the potential to migrate extensively throughout the embryo and contribute to the formation of numerous tissues and structures.
The neural crest cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the ability to give rise to various cell types. They differentiate into diverse cell lineages such as the peripheral nervous system (including neurons and glial cells), smooth muscle cells, cartilage and bone cells, connective tissue cells, and melanocytes.
The migration of neural crest cells is a crucial process in embryogenesis. These cells travel to various regions of the developing embryo, guided by chemical signals and interactions with neighboring tissues. Their migration contributes to the formation of important structures like the craniofacial skeleton, heart outflow tract, enteric ganglia, adrenal medulla, and pigment-producing cells of the skin.
Abnormal development or migration of neural crest cells can result in a wide range of congenital disorders termed neurocristopathies. Examples of such disorders include Hirschsprung's disease, DiGeorge syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome, and certain types of congenital heart defects.
Overall, neural crests play a vital role in the development of diverse tissues and structures during embryogenesis, highlighting their importance in shaping the vertebrate body plan.
Common Misspellings for NEURAL CRESTS
- beural crests
- meural crests
- jeural crests
- heural crests
- nwural crests
- nsural crests
- ndural crests
- nrural crests
- n4ural crests
- n3ural crests
- neyral crests
- nehral crests
- nejral crests
- neiral crests
- ne8ral crests
- ne7ral crests
- neueal crests
- neudal crests
- neufal crests
- neutal crests
Etymology of NEURAL CRESTS
The word "Neural Crests" is derived from two different origins.
The term "neural" stems from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve". It refers to the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
The term "crest" in this context refers to a ridge or a raised area. It originates from the Latin word "crista", which means "comb".
Therefore, "Neural Crests" is a combination of these two words, indicating the raised areas of cells that form along the neural tube during embryonic development. These cells give rise to various structures, such as the peripheral nervous system, facial bones, and pigment cells.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
