NEURAL FOLD Meaning and
Definition
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Neural fold refers to a transient anatomical structure that is crucial in the early embryonic development of vertebrates. It specifically pertains to the folding of the neural plate, the precursor to the nervous system, during neurulation. Neural folding occurs during the formation of the neural tube, which later develops into the brain and spinal cord.
At the beginning of neurulation, the neural plate undergoes a process called elevation, where its lateral edges rise and start to fold inward. This elevation is the formation of the neural folds. Over time, the neural folds progressively move towards each other and finally meet in the midline of the embryo, completing the fusion and closure of the neural tube.
The neural folds play a crucial role in defining the future structure of the nervous system. The inner layer of the neural folds gives rise to the neural crest cells, which differentiate into a diverse range of tissues, including sensory neurons, melanocytes, and cartilage. The outer layer of the neural folds eventually becomes the neural ectoderm, which differentiates into the central nervous system.
Defects in neural fold development can lead to serious congenital malformations, such as neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly. Understanding the process of neural fold formation is essential for unraveling the mechanisms underlying normal neural tube development and identifying potential interventions to prevent or treat these developmental anomalies.
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One of the upgrowths of ectoderm forming the neural canal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEURAL FOLD
- beural fold
- meural fold
- jeural fold
- heural fold
- nwural fold
- nsural fold
- ndural fold
- nrural fold
- n4ural fold
- n3ural fold
- neyral fold
- nehral fold
- nejral fold
- neiral fold
- ne8ral fold
- ne7ral fold
- neueal fold
- neudal fold
- neufal fold
- neutal fold
Etymology of NEURAL FOLD
The word "neural" is derived from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve". The term "fold" comes from the Middle English word "folden", which means "to bend or crease". When combined, "neural fold" refers to the bending or folding of the neural tissue during embryonic development, which ultimately gives rise to the neural tube and later forms the central nervous system.
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