Summary
Multipotent migratory cells that form facial bones, pigment cells and peripheral neurons.
In depth
They arise at the neural plate border, delaminate through EMT and give rise to peripheral neurons and glia, melanocytes, craniofacial skeleton, adrenal medulla and heart outflow septa. Neurocristopathies include Waardenburg syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome.
Neural crest forms through border specifier genes (Pax3, Zic1, Snail). Cranial crest forms facial bones and cartilage; cardiac crest forms outflow tract septa.
Example: DiGeorge syndrome involves defects in cardiac neural crest derivatives.
Frequently asked questions
What is Neural Crest Cells?
Multipotent migratory cells that form facial bones, pigment cells and peripheral neurons.
Which area of biology covers Neural Crest Cells, and how advanced is it?
Neural Crest Cells is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Cell Migration in Embryo, Germ Layers and Their Fates, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition.
Can you give an example of Neural Crest Cells?
The vertebrate head is largely a neural crest innovation.
What should I learn before Neural Crest Cells?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Neural Crest Cells. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Neural Crest Cells?
The closest topics to Neural Crest Cells are Cell Migration in Embryo, Germ Layers and Their Fates, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Neurulation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Neural Crest Cells?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Neural Crest Cells. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Neural Crest Cells different from Cell Migration in Embryo?
Neural Crest Cells: Multipotent migratory cells that form facial bones, pigment cells and peripheral neurons. Cell Migration in Embryo: Cells move along tracks and chemical cues to reach their destination, as neural crest cells do. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Neural Crest Cells step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Cell Migration in Embryo and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.