neural crest

American  

noun

Embryology.

1. a group of ectodermal cells that develop into a variety of tissues, including spinal and autonomic ganglia, connective tissue around the brain and spinal cord, and parts of the facial bones.

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Etymology

Origin of neural crest

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

neural crest

The researchers found that when neural crest cells are exposed to higher-than-usual levels of pressure, key cell signalling pathways are impeded, and the risk of craniofacial malformations significantly increases.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 22, 2024

Biologists proposed that a pool of cells called the neural crest, which pops up in animal embryos and turns into tissues like skin and ear cartilage, might explain why different species grow similar traits.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 27, 2017

During development, a structure called the neural crest forms near what will later become the spine of the animal.

From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2016

Many tissues that are not part of the nervous system also arise from the neural crest, such as craniofacial cartilage and bone, and melanocytes.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

It is caused by a disturbance in a group of cells in embryos called neural crest cells.

From New York Times ● Apr. 26, 2010