8.6.1 Neural Tube Formation

• Neural tube formation is the process by which the neural tube
• The neural tube forms from the folding and closure of the neural plate
• The neural plate folds in on itself, creating a groove that eventually closes to form the neural tube.
• Order the stages of neural tube formation:

  1️⃣ Neural plate formation

  2️⃣ Neural groove formation

  3️⃣ Neural tube closure
• In human embryonic development, the neural tube closes around day 28
• Signaling molecules are crucial for guiding neural tube formation.
• Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) induce dorsal neural tube structures
• Match the signaling molecule with its role:

  Wnt Proteins ↔️ Regulate cell proliferation

  Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) ↔️ Controls ventral neural tube development
• What are two examples of neural tube defects?

  Spina bifida and anencephaly
• Folic acid deficiency increases the risk of neural tube defects.
• The final stage of neural tube formation is neural tube closure