neural crest

noun

Definition of neural crest

: the ridge of one of the folds forming the neural tube that gives rise to the spinal ganglia and various structures of the autonomic nervous system

Recent Examples of neural crest from the Web

While some early scientists couldn’t pin down why these unplanned physical traits appeared, others had an idea: neural crest cells.

— kelli bender, PEOPLE.com, "Why Do Some Dogs Have Floppy Ears? Listen Up: Science Has the Answer," 30 Jan. 2018
The research team focused on neural crest cells, which are critical building blocks for the heart, face and jaw.

— susan scutti, CNN, "How fever in early pregnancy can cause birth defects," 10 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neural crest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of neural crest

1882

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

neural crest

noun

medical Definition of neural crest

: the ridge of one of the folds forming the neural tube that gives rise to the spinal ganglia and various structures of the autonomic nervous system — called also neural ridge; compare neural plate