neurula

The neurula is an early vertebrate embryo that follows the gastrula stage. During this phase, nervous tissue begins to differentiate, and the basic vertebrate body plan starts to emerge. The process of neurulation involves the formation of the neural plate, which is a thickened area of ectoderm along the dorsal midline. This plate then folds to create the neural tube, the precursor to the brain and spinal cord. Cells called neural crest cells also arise from the neural tube and contribute to various tissues. This stage is crucial for establishing the central nervous system.12345