Neural crest cells
Neural Crest Cells
Neural crest cells (pronunciation: NEU-ral KREST SELLS) are a group of cells that originate in the embryo during the process of embryogenesis. These cells play a crucial role in the development of various tissues and organs in the body.
Etymology
The term "neural crest cells" is derived from their location and function. "Neural" refers to their origin from the neural tube, "crest" refers to the ridge from which they emerge, and "cells" refers to their cellular nature.
Function
Neural crest cells are multipotent, meaning they have the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types. They contribute to the formation of several structures in the body, including the peripheral nervous system, craniofacial skeleton, pigment cells, and endocrine glands.
Development
During embryogenesis, neural crest cells form at the border of the neural tube. They undergo a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which allows them to migrate and differentiate into various cell types.
Related Terms
- Neural Tube: The precursor to the central nervous system in the embryo.
- Embryogenesis: The process by which the embryo forms and develops.
- Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT): A process by which epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion, and gain migratory and invasive properties to become mesenchymal stem cells.
- Multipotent: The ability of a cell to differentiate into multiple, but not all, cell types.
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