Neural Crests

Neural crests are crucial embryonic structures that emerge during neural tube closure, playing a fundamental role in the development of the peripheral nervous system. They are responsible for the formation of various elements, including nerves and ganglion chains. Their intense migration contributes to the formation of the face, by interacting with the mesoderm to form the ectomesoblast, and also influences the skin, which reacts to environmental stimuli, reflecting the internal state of health.

The impact of neural crests extends to the autonomic nervous system, encompassing ganglion chains and cranial nerves, such as the trigeminal nerve, which transmit vital information to internal organs. Understanding the processes of differentiation, epigenetics, and migration of neural crests is essential to grasp their role in the development of body structures, including the inner ear and cartilages. The therapeutic implications are significant, particularly in the treatment of facial and dental anomalies, which require an approach that considers their embryological origin. This knowledge allows for more targeted and effective clinical interventions.