Quicktime Development Animation - Neural Tube

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Early Neural Development This animation of early neural development from week 3 onward shows the neural groove fusing to form the neural tube. View - Dorsolateral of the whole early embryo and yolk sac. Cranial (head) to top and caudal (tail) to bottom. Yolk sac is shown to the left. Beginning with the neural groove initially fusing at the level of the 4th somite to form the neural tube. Then closing in both directions to leave 2 openings or neuropores that close last cranial neuropore (anterior neuropore). caudal neuropore (posterior neuropore). These neuropores are the last region of the neural tube to close and be lost from the embryo surface. In humans, the cranial neuropore closes about 2 days before the caudal neuropore. Failure of these opens, or any part of the neural tube, to close are described as neural tube defects. The animation also shows as the embryo grows and folds it increases in size relative to the initial yolk sac. Note also the increasing number of somites over time. Links: Quicktime | Quicktime movie | Flash | Neural Development | Lecture - Early Neural Development Remember to use the control bar features if it plays too fast.