Week 1 Neuro Embryology Flashcards
Describe the development of the neural tube
Neural plate → neural groove → neural fold → neural tube
In what week does the neural tube form
Week 4
In what week does the neural tube form
Week 4
What is a neural tube defect?
A group of spinal chord abnormalities causes by abnormal closure of the neural tube
What charicterises spina bifida?
Unfused vertibra over the spinal chord.
Hair over the site
In more extreme cases meningecele/ myelomeningocele
What is this?
This is a meningocele
This is a form of spina bifida where a sack called a mengocele pertrudes through the gap in the vertebra
What is this?
This is a myelomengocele
This is a form of spina bifida where the meningocele also contains spinal chord and meninges
What is anencephaly?
Causes of NTDs
- Folate definciency
- Sodium valporate (anti-epileptic)
- Methotrexate
- Maternal hypothermia
What do neural crest cells become?
Migrate down along entire length of neural tube
Gives rise to a whole host of structures:
Sensory ganglia and neurones
Autonomic neurones
Schwann cells
Melanocytes
Odontoblasts (teeth)
Meninges
And many more…
What is the RET gene?
It is an oncogene as it produces a proteine that plays a role in cell growth, differentiation and development
In the case of neuro embryology it plays a role of the migration of the nural crest
Two neurogical diseases associated with mutations in the RET gene?
* Hirschsprung Disease (Congenital Megacolon)
Failure of neural crest to migrate and form parasympathetic structures in the colon
* Phaeochromocytomas (and other neuroendocrine tumours)
Tumour of the chromaffin cells of the adrenal glands (neural crest origins)
Rare cause of adrenergic storm due to overproduction of adrenaline and noradrenaline
