| neural tube | <embryology> The progenitor of the central nervous system. See: neural plate, neurulation. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| neural tube defect | <neurology, paediatrics> Abnormal development during embryonic life of the neural tube producing congenital malformations of the nervous system due to closure failure of the neural tube. The structure gives rise to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), and failure to close results in anencephaly (absence of the cranial vault and absence of most or all of the cerebral hemispheres of the brain) and spina bifida or meningomyelocele (open spina with exposure and protusion of the spinal cord). The risk of neuroal tube defects can be decreased by the mother taking folic acid during pregnancy. (04 Jul 1999) |
| dorsal plate of neural tube | The thin layer of the embryonic neural tube connecting the alar plate's dorsally. Synonym: dorsal plate of neural tube. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dorsolateral plate of neural tube | The dorsal division of the lateral walls of the neural tube in the embryo; it gives rise to neurons relaying afferent impulses to higher centres; in the adult such neurons compose the sensory nuclei of the spinal cord and brainstem. Synonym: lamina alaris, alar plate of neural tube, dorsolateral plate of neural tube, lamina dorsalis, wing plate. (05 Mar 2000) |