Neurogenic placode

Neurogenic placode

Illustration of a neurogenic placode

The neurogenic placode is a thickened area of the ectoderm in the embryo that gives rise to various structures in the nervous system. These structures include the sensory neurons of the cranial nerves, the neurons of the spinal ganglia, and the neurons of the autonomic nervous system.

Development[edit | edit source]

The neurogenic placode develops from the neural crest cells, which are a group of cells that migrate from the neural tube during embryogenesis. The neural crest cells differentiate into various cell types, including the neurons and glial cells of the peripheral nervous system.

The development of the neurogenic placode is regulated by various genetic factors, including the transcription factors Sox10, Pax3, and Pax7. These factors are involved in the specification and differentiation of the neural crest cells and the neurogenic placode.

Function[edit | edit source]

The neurogenic placode is involved in the formation of the sensory organs and the peripheral nervous system. It gives rise to the sensory neurons of the cranial nerves, which are involved in the transmission of sensory information from the sense organs to the brain. It also gives rise to the neurons of the spinal ganglia, which are involved in the transmission of sensory information from the body to the brain.

In addition, the neurogenic placode gives rise to the neurons of the autonomic nervous system, which are involved in the regulation of involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.