The development of the human brain from a closed neural tube at stage 13

Abstract

Twenty-five embryos of stage 13 (28 days) were studied in detail and graphic reconstructions of seven of them were prepared. Thirty or more somitic pairs are present, and the maximum is possibly 39. The notochord is almost entirely separated from the neural tube and the alimentary epithelium, and its rostral tip is closely related to the adenohypophysial pocket. Caudal to the cloacal membrane, the caudal eminence is the site of secondary neurulation. The eminence, which usually contains isolated somites, is the area where new notochord, hindgut, and neural tube are forming. The neural cord develops into neural tube without the intermediate phase of a neural plate (secondary neurulation). Canalization is regular and the lumen is continuous with the central canal. The neural tube is now a closed system, filled with what may be termed "ependymal fluid." The brain is widening in a dorsoventral direction. Neuromeres are still detectable. The following features are distinguishable: infundibular area of D2, chiasmatic plate of D1, "adult" lamina terminalis, and commissural plate (at levels of nasal plates). The beginning of the synencephalon of D2 can be discerned. The retinal and lens discs are being defined. The mesencephalic flexure continues to diminish. The midbrain possesses a sulcus limitans, and the tegmentum may show the medial longitudinal fasciculus. The isthmic segment is clearly separated from rhombomere 1. Lateral and ventral longitudinal fasciculi are usually present in the hindbrain, and the common afferent tract is beginning. Somatic and visceral efferent fibres are seen in certain nerves: 6, 12; 5, 7, 9-11. The first indication of the cerebellum may be visible in the alar lamina of rhombomere 1. The terminal-vomeronasal crest appears. Various cranial ganglia (e.g., vestibular, superior ganglia of 9, 10) are forming. The trigeminal ganglion may show its three major divisions. Epipharyngeal placodes of pharyngeal arches 2 to 5 contribute to cranial ganglia 7, 9, and 10. The spinal neural crest is becoming segregated, and the spinal ganglia are in series with the somites. Ventral spinal roots are beginning to develop.