Alar plate

Alar plate is a neural structure in the embryonic nervous system, which eventually develops into certain regions of the brain. It is one of the two longitudinal zones of the neural tube, the other being the basal plate.

Development

The alar plate is formed during the early stages of embryonic development. It arises from the neural tube, a structure that gives rise to the entire nervous system. The alar plate and the basal plate, which lies ventral to it, are separated by the sulcus limitans.

The alar plate is located dorsally in the neural tube and is primarily associated with sensory function. It gives rise to the posterior horn of the spinal cord and the sensory nuclei of the cranial nerves.

Function

The cells in the alar plate are primarily responsible for receiving and processing sensory information. They form the sensory pathways for both the somatic and visceral sensory systems. The alar plate also gives rise to certain parts of the brain, including the cerebellum and the superior colliculus.

Clinical significance

Abnormal development of the alar plate can lead to a variety of neurological disorders. For example, it has been suggested that defects in the formation of the alar plate may be involved in the development of neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that arises in immature nerve cells.

See also

• Neural development
• Neural tube
• Basal plate (neural tube)

References

Alar plate Resources
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