Embryology and Congenital Malformations Flashcards
From what layer of cells does the neural tube develop from
The ectoderm
When does neural tube formation begin
Beginning of the third week (during gastrulation)
What occurs in neuralisation
The ectoderm thickens forming the neural plate at the cranial end of the embryo (ad grows down to caudal end)
The lateral edges then become elevated and move together to from neural folds
The neural folds migrate in the middle of the embryo and fuse together forming the neural tube
The neural tube extends in both cranial and caudal direction
The cells cells on the crest of the neural tube detach
The neural tube closes
What does the cranial end of the embryo go on to develop
The future brain
What does the cauda end of the embryo develop into
Future spinal cord
What does detached cells to the neural tube from and develop into
Form neural crest leading to the formation of the peripheral nervous system
What is is essential for normal development and function
Neural tube closure - completes the process
When does neural tube closure begin and end for cranial and caudal
Begins day 18
Cranial closes - 25 days (18-20 somite stage)
Caudal closes -27 days
Completely closed by the 4th week
How many closure sits are present in humans
5
Failure of neural tube to close properly results in neural tube defects
Anencephaly Encephalocoele Spina bifida Craniorachischisis Iniencephaly
What is the presentation of anencephaly
The skull is absent and so is cerebral hemisphere of the brain
When does anencephaly occur
23-26 days after conception
What is the cause of Craniorachischisis
Failure of neural tube closure along entire neuroaxis
What is the presentation of encephalocoele
Hernatio of cerebral tissue through a defect in the skull
What causes encephalocoele
Failure in closure of rostral neural tube
What is the affect of encephalocoele
Variable degree of neurological deficits
What is the affect of anecephaly
Incompatible with life
What is the two shapes of encephalocoele
Occiittal encephalocele (most frequent)
Fronto-nasal encephalocele
What is the presentation of Iniencephaly
Occipital and spine defect with extreme retroflexion of the head
What is the cause of spina biffida
Defective closure of the caudal neural tube
What does spina bifida affect
Tissue overlying spinal cord
Potential may affect neural tissue
What is the two forms of spin bifida
Spina bifida occulta - minor/closed
Spina bifida cystica - severe/open
What is the cause of spina bifida occulta
Failure of the embryonic halves of the vertebral arch to grow normally and fuse
What is the presentation of spina bifida occulta
Dimple with a small tuft of hair typically occurring and L5 /L6 vertebrae
No clinical symptoms
What is the cause of spina bifida cystic
Protrusion of spinal cord and/or meninges through the defect in the vertebral arches
What is the three forms of spina bifida cystic
Spina bifida with meningocele
Spina bifida with meningomyelocele
Myeloschisis
What occurs in Spina bifida with meningocele
protrusion of meniges and cerebrospinal fluid through a defect in spine
What occurs in spina bifida with meningomyelocele
Open spinal cord with meningeal cyst with nerve roots/spinal cord included in the sac
What are the neurological defecits of spina bifida with meningomyelocele
Loss of sensation and muscle paralysis
Are affected determined by level of lesion
What is spina bifida with meningomyelocele associated with
Hydrocephalus
What occurs in myeloschisis
Spinal cord in affected is open de to failure of neural tubes to fold
What is the most severe spina biffida
Myeloschisis
What is taken in prenatal care to prevent neural tube deficits
Folic acod
What are the three prenatal diagnosis for neural tube defects
Maternal blood screening (16-20 weeks)
Amniocentesis
Ultrasound
What is the market found in amniocentesis and maternal blood screen for neural tube deficits
High levels of Alpha fetoprotein in serum/amniotic sac
What is the origin of AFP
From foetal liver leking into amniotic sac then into maternal blood
When is ancephaly and spina bifida best detected with an ultrasound
Ancephaly - from 12 weeks
Spina bifida - from 16-20 weeks
What is the risk factors for neural tube deficits
Genetic predisposition
Nutritional
- to little folate
- to much vitamin A
Environmental
- hyperthermia
- sodium valproate
What do the brain vesicles formation co inside with
Closure of the anterior neuropore (roughly day 25 days)
What are the 3 primary brain vesicles formed by the end of the 4th week
Prosencephalon
(forebrain)
Mesencephalon
(midbrain)
Rhombencephalon
(hindbrain)