PSYB65H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Spina Bifida, Parietal Lobe, Neural Tube
Document Summary
Neural plate: forms the ectoderm of the embryo, and is a patch of cells that are on the dorsal surface of the embryo, which eventually becomes the nervous system. The cells of the dorsal ectoderm in the neural plate are stem cells that are pluripotent, meaning they have the potential to develop into different types of nervous system cells. Proliferation: a process where cells of the neural tube within the ventricular zone are rapidly dividing. By day 40 of the embryo, there are 3 prominent bumps on the anterior portion of the neural tube, which eventually form the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain of the cns. Although development of axons and dendrites occur both prenatally and postnatally, cell differentiation is essentially complete at birth. Problems with any phase of development can lead to significant abnormalities in the cns. Brain is particularly vulnerable during the last 4-5 months of gestation (origin can be genetic or external)
