The most critical stage of development
for the embryo’s nervous system is the
third and fourth weeks of pregnancy. On day 14,
the embryo looks like a little disc. The first
part of the nervous system that forms is an indentation
called the neural groove. Over the next 7 days,
the groove deepens as the cells around it form
ridges called neural folds.
By day 27, the neural
folds wrap around the neural groove and form
the neural tube. The neural tube will further
develop into the brain and spinal cord. Structures
called somites form the vertebral column, or
backbone. They also help form the ribs and the
muscles of the neck, arms, and legs. The embryo’s
nervous system is particularly vulnerable during
the early stage of development, so an expectant
mother should be careful about avoiding any substances
that could potentially harm it.
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