Neuroectoderm

Neuroectoderm is a type of tissue that forms from the ectoderm, one of the three primary germ layers in the very early embryo. The neuroectoderm gives rise to the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and many components of the sensory organs.

Development

During the process of gastrulation, the embryo differentiates into three primary germ layers: the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. The ectoderm then further differentiates into the neuroectoderm and the surface ectoderm. This differentiation is triggered by signals from the underlying mesoderm.

The neuroectoderm begins to form the neural plate, a flat group of cells present in embryonic development that will become the brain and spinal cord. The neural plate folds in upon itself to form the neural tube, which will later differentiate into the spinal cord and the brain.

Derivatives

The neuroectoderm gives rise to several important structures:

• The entire central nervous system
• The retina and other parts of the eye
• The pineal gland and pituitary gland
• The neural crest, which gives rise to the peripheral nervous system and several non-neural structures

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the development of the neuroectoderm can lead to a variety of neural tube defects, including anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele. These conditions can result in severe developmental disabilities or death.

See Also

• Neural crest
• Neural tube
• Neural plate
• Ectoderm
• Gastrulation

References

Neuroectoderm Resources
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