Defects in the Development of the Central Nervous System

Abnormalities in the development of the central nervous system explained very briefly.

A quick overview of the development of the brain: 1. The notochord induces the overlying ectoderm to differentiate into neuroectoderm and form the neural plate. 2. The neural plate folds and pinches, becoming the neural tube which is open at both ends. 3. As the neural plate folds, some cells differentiate into neural crest cells and form a column of cells along both sides of the neural tube (later becomes the peripheral nervous system - PNS). 4. The rostal part of the neural tube becomes the adult brain. 5. The caudal part of the neural tube becomes the spinal cord. 6. The lumen of the neural tube gives rise to the ventricular system of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.