What is the Difference Between Neural Crest and Neural Tube?

The neural crest and neural tube are two distinct structures that form during the early stages of embryonic development. Here are the main differences between them:

Neural Crest:

• Originates from each side of the neural plate, between the neural and non-neural ectoderm.
• Forms from the roof plate of the neural tube.
• Is responsible for giving rise to a diverse cell lineage, including melanocytes, craniofacial cartilage and bone, smooth muscle, peripheral and enteric neurons, and glia.
• Migrates from the neuroepithelium and differentiates into various cell types.
• The abnormal migration, specification, differentiation, and death of cells during embryonic development can result in a condition called neurocristopathies.

Neural Tube:

• Formed from the fusion of the neural folds, which are the borders of the neural plate.
• Considered the embryonic predecessor to the central nervous system in vertebrates.
• The closure of the neural tube usually happens by the 4th week of pregnancy.
• Improper closure of the neural tube can result in birth defects, such as spina bifida, encephalocele, and anencephaly.

In summary, the neural crest is a collection of multipotent stem cells that arise from the neural plate and migrate towards the periphery to differentiate into various cell types, while the neural tube is an embryonic structure that gives rise to the central nervous system. The neural crest and neural tube are interconnected during embryonic development, but they have distinct functions and structures.

Comparative Table: Neural Crest vs Neural Tube

Here is a table comparing the differences between neural crest and neural tube:

Both the neural crest and neural tube are formed from the ectoderm layer in developing vertebrate embryos. The neural crest is a group of temporary cells that can give rise to various cell types and migrate to different locations in the embryo. On the other hand, the neural tube is the primitive structure from which the central nervous system develops and remains in place to form the brain and spinal cord.