NEUROSCIENCES – EMBRYOLOGY

The dorsal (sensory) horn of the spinal cord develops from an embryological structure located in the dorsal part of the neural tube. This structure is responsible for processing sensory information during development. Its differentiation is influenced by signaling from adjacent structures like the roof plate.

Other structures:

• Roof plate: Acts as a signaling center but does not form part of the sensory horn.
• Floor plate: Located ventrally and plays a role in guiding motor development.
• Marginal layer: Forms white matter of the spinal cord but does not give rise to sensory or motor horns.
• Basal plate: Contributes to motor structures rather than sensory ones.

The telencephalon (arrow A) develops into the cerebral hemispheres, which include the cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system. These structures govern higher cognitive functions, voluntary motor control, and sensory integration.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is detected in blood and urine during pregnancy. It is primarily secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast, which is a specialized outer layer of the trophoblast in the early developing placenta.

Key Functions of hCG:

• Maintains the corpus luteum in the ovary, ensuring continued secretion of progesterone to sustain the early pregnancy.
• Supports placental development and prevents menstruation.
• Used in pregnancy tests, as it can be detected in blood as early as 8-10 days after fertilization.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

❌ 1. “Placenta” – Incorrect

• While the placenta is the overall organ responsible for fetal support, hCG is specifically secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast, not the entire placenta.

❌ 2. “Epiblast” – Incorrect

• The epiblast forms the embryo proper, giving rise to the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) but does not produce hCG.

❌ 3. “Hypoblast” – Incorrect

• The hypoblast contributes to the yolk sac formation, but it does not play a role in hCG secretion.

❌ 4. “Cytotrophoblast” – Incorrect

• The cytotrophoblast is the inner layer of trophoblast cells responsible for cellular proliferation and supporting placental development.
• However, it does not secrete hCG—that function belongs to the syncytiotrophoblast.

• The amniotic fluid surrounds the embryo in the amniotic cavity, which forms above the epiblast during early embryogenesis.
• The amniotic cavity is lined by amnioblasts, which are derived from the epiblast.
• These amnioblasts form the amnion, which secretes amniotic fluid to protect and support the developing embryo.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong:

1. Hypoblast ❌
   • The hypoblast forms the yolk sac, not the amniotic cavity.
2. Cytotrophoblast ❌
   • A layer of the trophoblast that helps in placental formation, but does not contribute to the amnion.
3. Syncytiotrophoblast ❌
   • Involved in implantation and maternal-fetal exchange, but does not form the amniotic cavity.
4. Extraembryonic Mesoderm ❌
   • Forms part of the chorion and umbilical structures, but does not line the amniotic cavity.

Spina bifida meningomyelocele is a severe form of spina bifida, a neural tube defect in which both the meninges and the spinal cord herniate through a defect in the vertebral arch.

• The spinal cord and meninges protrude, forming a fluid-filled sac covered by a thin layer of skin or exposed tissue.
• This condition can cause neurological deficits, including motor and sensory impairment below the level of the lesion.
• Commonly occurs in the lumbar and sacral regions.
• It is associated with Arnold-Chiari malformation Type II and hydrocephalus.

Other options explained:

❌ Protrusion of spinal cord → Only spinal cord involvement describes myelocele.
❌ Depression of meninges and vertebral arch → Incorrect; there is herniation, not depression.
❌ Depression of meninges and spinal cord → Incorrect; there is protrusion, not depression.
❌ Protrusion of meninges → This describes spina bifida meningocele, a milder form where only the meninges protrude without spinal cord involvement.

The rhombic lips are embryological structures that arise from the alar plate of the metencephalon (a subdivision of the hindbrain). These rhombic lips grow and expand to form the cerebellum.

• The metencephalon develops into two main structures:

  1. Pons (from the basal plate)
  2. Cerebellum (from the alar plate, specifically the rhombic lips)

• The rhombic lips first appear as lateral ridges of the fourth ventricle and later fuse to form the cerebellum.

• The cerebellum is responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong:

1. Cerebrum (Incorrect)

   • The cerebrum develops from the telencephalon, not the metencephalon.
   • The telencephalon is a part of the forebrain (prosencephalon), whereas the rhombic lips originate from the hindbrain (rhombencephalon).

2. Midbrain (Incorrect)

   • The midbrain (mesencephalon) arises from the mesencephalon, not the metencephalon.
   • It contains structures such as the tectum, tegmentum, and cerebral peduncles.

3. Pons (Incorrect)

   • The pons develops from the basal plate of the metencephalon, not the rhombic lips.
   • The rhombic lips are specifically involved in cerebellar development, not pons formation.

4. Medulla (Incorrect)

   • The medulla oblongata develops from the myelencephalon, which is separate from the metencephalon.
   • The medulla contains centers for autonomic control of respiration, heart rate, and reflexes.

The neuroectoderm gives rise to the following derivatives:

1. Macroglia: Includes astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells.
2. Ependyma: Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.
3. Oligodendrocytes: These cells produce myelin in the central nervous system (CNS).
4. Astrocytes: These cells provide structural and metabolic support to neurons.

However, microglia are not derived from neuroectoderm. They originate from mesodermal precursors (specifically, myeloid progenitor cells) and migrate into the CNS during development. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS and play a role in inflammation and phagocytosis.

Why the Other Options Are Derivatives of Neuroectoderm:

1. Macroglia:
   • Macroglia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells) are derived from neuroectoderm.
2. Ependyma:
   • Ependymal cells are derived from neuroectoderm.
3. Oligodendrocytes:
   • Oligodendrocytes are derived from neuroectoderm.
4. Astrocytes:
   • Astrocytes are derived from neuroectoderm.

In brain development, commissures are bundles of axons that connect corresponding regions of the brain hemispheres. They develop in a specific order:

1. Anterior commissure – First to develop.
2. Fornix (hippocampal commissure) – Second to develop.
3. Corpus callosum – Third and largest commissure, developing later.

Thus, the fornix is the 2nd commissure to develop, making this the correct answer.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

❌ “The corpus callosum is not a commissure”

• Incorrect because the corpus callosum is the largest commissure in the brain, connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.

❌ “The anterior commissure is the last one to appear”

• Incorrect because the anterior commissure is actually the first to develop, not the last.

❌ “Fornix is the 3rd commissure to develop”

• Incorrect because the fornix is the 2nd commissure, not the third (the corpus callosum is the third).

❌ “Commissures are axon bundles that run anteriorly/posteriorly”

• Incorrect because commissures connect structures across the midline (left-right), not anterior-posterior.

The posterior cranial fossa is actually the most common site for encephaloceles, particularly in Western populations. Encephaloceles in the posterior cranial fossa typically occur in the occipital region (back of the skull). In contrast, anterior cranial fossa encephaloceles (e.g., frontal or sincipital) are more common in Southeast Asian populations.

Why the other options are less common:

1. Anterior cranial fossa:
   • While anterior cranial fossa encephaloceles (e.g., frontal or sincipital) are common in certain populations (e.g., Southeast Asia), they are not the most common overall. In Western populations, posterior cranial fossa encephaloceles are more frequent.
2. Middle cranial fossa:
   • Encephaloceles in the middle cranial fossa are rare and not the most common site.
3. Medial cranial fossa:
   • This is not a recognized anatomical term. The cranial fossae are divided into anterior, middle, and posterior.
4. Lateral cranial fossa:
   • This is also not a recognized anatomical term. The cranial fossae are divided into anterior, middle, and posterior.

The lateral spinothalamic tract carries pain and temperature sensations from the body to the brain. This pathway decussates (crosses over) at the level of entry in the spinal cord, meaning:

• A lesion in the right lateral spinothalamic tract → causes loss of pain and temperature on the left side of the body (contralateral).
• A lesion in the left lateral spinothalamic tract → causes loss of pain and temperature on the right side of the body (contralateral).

Other options explained:

❌ Contralateral loss of crude touch → Crude touch is carried by the anterior spinothalamic tract, not the lateral spinothalamic tract.
❌ Ipsilateral loss of crude touch → Also incorrect, as crude touch is not in the lateral spinothalamic tract.
❌ Ipsilateral loss of pain and temperature → Incorrect, because pain and temperature pathways cross over in the spinal cord.
❌ Ipsilateral loss of fine touch and two-point discrimination → Fine touch and two-point discrimination are carried by the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway, not the spinothalamic tract.

The mesencephalon is one of the five secondary brain vesicles that develop during the 5th week of embryogenesis. It remains undivided and develops into the midbrain in the adult brain. The midbrain includes structures such as:

• Tectum (superior and inferior colliculi, involved in visual and auditory reflexes)
• Tegmentum (containing nuclei like the red nucleus and substantia nigra)
• Cerebral peduncles (important for motor signal transmission)

The mesencephalon is part of the brainstem, located between the diencephalon and the pons.

Why not the other options?

1. Cerebellum: Develops from the metencephalon, not the mesencephalon.
2. Pons: Develops from the metencephalon, not the mesencephalon.
3. Medulla: Develops from the myelencephalon, not the mesencephalon.
4. Cerebrum: Develops from the telencephalon, not the mesencephalon.

The metencephalon (arrow D) is one of the subdivisions of the rhombencephalon. It develops into the cerebellum and pons, both of which play critical roles in coordination and communication within the central nervous system.

Meroanencephaly (a form of anencephaly) results from the failure of the anterior neuropore to close during neurulation (approximately day 25 of embryonic development). This leads to partial absence of the brain and skull, often exposing neural tissue to amniotic fluid, causing degeneration.

Neural Tube Development and Closure Defects:

1. Anterior neuropore (rostral end) fails to close → Leads to meroanencephaly/anencephaly (absence of parts of the brain and skull).
2. Posterior neuropore (caudal end) fails to close → Leads to spina bifida (defects in the vertebral column and spinal cord).

Why not the other options?

• Defect in regionalization → Affects brain patterning (e.g., holoprosencephaly), but not neural tube closure.
• Disorder of myelination → Affects nerve function (e.g., multiple sclerosis, leukodystrophies), not brain formation.
• Failure of neural crest cell formation → Leads to defects in craniofacial structures, peripheral nerves, and ganglia (e.g., Hirschsprung disease, Treacher Collins syndrome), but not anencephaly.
• Failure of closure of posterior neuropore → Causes spina bifida, not anencephaly.

Thus, meroanencephaly occurs due to the failure of anterior neuropore closure, preventing proper brain formation.

Dandy-Walker syndrome is the condition associated with an enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa. This syndrome is characterized by:

1. Cystic enlargement of the fourth ventricle.
2. Hypoplasia or agenesis of the cerebellar vermis.
3. Enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa.
4. Hydrocephalus (due to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow).

The enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa is a hallmark feature of Dandy-Walker syndrome, as the cystic malformation displaces the tentorium and enlarges the fossa.

Why the other options are wrong:

1. Agenesis of the corpus callosum:
   • This condition involves the absence or incomplete development of the corpus callosum, which connects the two cerebral hemispheres. It does not involve the posterior cranial fossa or cerebellum.
2. Holoprosencephaly:
   • This is a developmental disorder where the forebrain fails to divide into two hemispheres. It primarily affects the forebrain and midline structures, not the posterior cranial fossa.
3. Arnold-Chiari type I:
   • This condition involves herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. While it affects the cerebellum, it does not cause enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa. Instead, the posterior fossa is often small.
4. Arnold-Chiari type II:
   • This is associated with a small posterior cranial fossa, not an enlarged one. It is commonly seen with myelomeningocele and involves herniation of the cerebellar vermis and brainstem.

Understanding the Embryological Development of the Cerebellum

During early embryonic development, the neural tube gives rise to three primary brain vesicles:

1. Prosencephalon (Forebrain) → Develops into the Telencephalon and Diencephalon
2. Mesencephalon (Midbrain) → Remains as the Midbrain
3. Rhombencephalon (Hindbrain) → Develops into the Metencephalon and Myelencephalon

• The metencephalon, a subdivision of the rhombencephalon (hindbrain), gives rise to two major structures:

  • Pons
  • Cerebellum

• The cerebellum originates from the dorsal aspect of the metencephalon, specifically from the alar plate of the neural tube.

Why the Correct Option is Right

• The metencephalon is the precursor to the cerebellum and pons.
• It arises from the rhombencephalon, but specifically differentiates into the cerebellum, making metencephalon the most precise answer.

Why the Incorrect Options are Wrong

1. A) Rhombencephalon – Incorrect

   • The rhombencephalon (hindbrain) is the larger embryological division that gives rise to both the metencephalon (pons and cerebellum) and the myelencephalon (medulla oblongata).
   • While the cerebellum is derived from the rhombencephalon, the more precise answer is the metencephalon.

2. B) Telencephalon – Incorrect

   • The telencephalon arises from the prosencephalon (forebrain) and gives rise to the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic structures.
   • It has no contribution to the formation of the cerebellum.

3. C) Diencephalon – Incorrect

   • The diencephalon, which also develops from the prosencephalon (forebrain), forms the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.
   • It does not contribute to cerebellar development.

4. D) Myelencephalon – Incorrect

   • The myelencephalon, a part of the rhombencephalon, develops into the medulla oblongata.
   • It does not contribute to the formation of the cerebellum.

The third ventricle is the fluid-filled cavity located within the diencephalon. It is part of the ventricular system of the brain and plays a crucial role in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. The third ventricle:

• Lies between the two halves of the thalamus.
• Connects to the lateral ventricles via the foramen of Monro.
• Drains into the cerebral aqueduct, which leads to the fourth ventricle.

Since the diencephalon consists of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus, the third ventricle is the only ventricular cavity present in this region.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong:

1. Lateral ventricles ❌

   • The lateral ventricles are located in the cerebral hemispheres (telencephalon), not in the diencephalon.
   • They connect to the third ventricle via the interventricular foramen (Foramen of Monro).

2. Cerebral aqueduct ❌

   • The cerebral aqueduct (Aqueduct of Sylvius) is a narrow channel in the midbrain that connects the third ventricle (diencephalon) to the fourth ventricle (pons & medulla).
   • It is not itself a cavity within the diencephalon.

3. Fourth ventricle ❌

   • The fourth ventricle is located in the hindbrain (pons and medulla), not the diencephalon.

4. None of these ❌

   • Incorrect because the third ventricle is indeed present in the diencephalon.

The corpus callosum is the largest white matter structure in the brain, responsible for connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them. Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) occurs when this structure fails to develop properly, leading to neurological and cognitive impairments.

Common symptoms include:
✅ Impaired coordination (dyspraxia/ataxia) → Due to disrupted interhemispheric communication
✅ Delays in motor development → Slower acquisition of skills like walking
✅ Cognitive and social difficulties → Varying degrees of learning disabilities
✅ Vision and speech problems → Can occur but are not always present

Other options explained:

❌ Loss of speech → While speech and language delays can occur, complete loss of speech is rare.
❌ Loss of motor control → Motor control is not completely lost; it may be delayed or impaired.
❌ Mental retardation → Not all cases of ACC lead to intellectual disability; some individuals have normal intelligence.
❌ Loss of sensory control → Sensory functions are generally preserved, but coordination between hemispheres is impaired.

Encephalocele most commonly involves the posterior cranial fossa, particularly in the occipital region. This is the most frequent location for encephaloceles, especially in Western populations. The defect occurs due to incomplete closure of the cranial neural tube during embryonic development, leading to herniation of brain tissue and meninges through the skull. Posterior cranial fossa encephaloceles are often associated with other congenital anomalies and can lead to significant neurological deficits.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

1. Medial cranial fossa
   There is no specific cranial fossa referred to as the “medial cranial fossa.” The cranial fossae are anatomically defined as the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae. Therefore, this option is not applicable.
2. Middle cranial fossa
   The middle cranial fossa is located between the anterior and posterior cranial fossae and houses structures such as the temporal lobes and pituitary gland. While encephaloceles can rarely occur in this region, they are far less common compared to posterior cranial fossa encephaloceles. Middle cranial fossa encephaloceles are typically associated with trauma or surgical defects rather than congenital neural tube defects.
3. Anterior cranial fossa
   The anterior cranial fossa is located at the front of the skull and supports the frontal lobes of the brain. Encephaloceles in this region, known as frontal or sincipital encephaloceles, are less common than posterior cranial fossa encephaloceles. They are more frequently seen in Southeast Asian populations and are associated with facial deformities.
4. Lateral cranial fossa
   There is no specific cranial fossa referred to as the “lateral cranial fossa.” The cranial fossae are anatomically defined as the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae. Therefore, this option is not applicable.

The septum pellucidum is a thin, membranous structure that forms the medial wall of the lateral ventricle. It is positioned between the two lateral ventricles, separating them at the midline. The septum pellucidum extends from the corpus callosum (above) to the fornix (below).

Why the other options are incorrect:

1. Corpus callosum:
   • The corpus callosum forms the roof of the lateral ventricles, not the medial wall.
2. Body of the caudate nucleus:
   • The body of the caudate nucleus is located laterally to the lateral ventricle and does not contribute to the medial wall.
3. Head of the caudate nucleus:
   • The head of the caudate nucleus forms part of the lateral wall of the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle, not the medial wall.
4. Lateral margin of the thalamus:
   • The thalamus is located inferior to the body of the lateral ventricle and helps form the floor rather than the medial wall.

During embryonic development, the spinal cord forms from the neural tube, which differentiates into distinct regions:

• Alar plate (dorsal region): Develops into sensory neurons, forming the posterior (dorsal) grey horn of the spinal cord.
• Basal plate (ventral region): Develops into motor neurons, forming the anterior (ventral) grey horn.
• Sulcus limitans: A groove in the neural tube that separates the alar and basal plates, but does not directly give rise to grey matter structures.
• Roof plate and floor plate: Midline structures involved in guiding neural development but do not form spinal cord grey matter.

The 3rd pharyngeal arch gives rise to structures primarily associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and contributes to the formation of the hyoid bone.

Cartilage Derivatives of the 3rd Pharyngeal Arch:

✔ Greater horn of the hyoid bone
✔ Inferior part of the hyoid body

This is in contrast to the 2nd pharyngeal arch, which forms the lesser horn of the hyoid bone and the superior part of the hyoid body.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

❌ Outer ear

• The outer ear structures (auricle, external acoustic meatus) develop from 1st and 2nd pharyngeal arches, not the 3rd.

❌ Lesser horn of the hyoid bone

• The lesser horn of the hyoid bone comes from the 2nd pharyngeal arch (Reichert’s cartilage), not the 3rd.

❌ Patella

• The patella is a sesamoid bone in the knee, formed by intramembranous ossification, and is not derived from any pharyngeal arch.

❌ Styloid process

• The styloid process develops from Reichert’s cartilage (2nd pharyngeal arch), not the 3rd arch.

Encephalocele is a congenital neural tube defect in which brain tissue and meninges herniate through a skull defect. The most common site of occurrence is the anterior cranial fossa, typically at the cribriform plate or frontal bone, leading to a nasofrontal, nasoethmoidal, or nasoorbital encephalocele.

• Common locations of encephalocele:
  • Anterior cranial fossa → Most common; causes frontal/nasal encephaloceles.
  • Occipital region (posterior cranial fossa) → Less common but can occur.
  • Parietal and middle cranial fossa involvement is rare.

Other options explained:

❌ Medial cranial fossa → Not a recognized anatomical term in encephalocele classifications.
❌ Posterior cranial fossa → Occipital encephalocele occurs here but is less common than anterior fossa involvement.
❌ Lateral cranial fossa → Encephaloceles do not commonly occur in the lateral skull.
❌ Middle cranial fossa → Less commonly involved compared to the anterior and posterior fossae.

Dandy-Walker syndrome is a congenital malformation characterized by enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa due to abnormal development of the cerebellum and fourth ventricle. It results from:

• Hypoplasia or agenesis of the cerebellar vermis.
• Cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle.
• Enlarged posterior cranial fossa, often with hydrocephalus.

This leads to symptoms such as developmental delay, poor muscle coordination, and increased intracranial pressure due to ventricular enlargement.

Why not the other options?

• Agenesis of the corpus callosum → Affects cortical connectivity, not the posterior fossa.
• Arnold-Chiari type I → Causes herniation of cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum but does not enlarge the posterior fossa.
• Arnold-Chiari type II → Causes hindbrain malformation with downward displacement of the cerebellum and medulla, often associated with myelomeningocele, but does not enlarge the posterior fossa.
• Holoprosencephaly → A defect in forebrain division, leading to midline facial abnormalities, unrelated to the posterior fossa.

Thus, Dandy-Walker syndrome is the correct answer, as it is the only condition associated with posterior cranial fossa enlargement.

The neural tube gives rise to all cells of the central nervous system (CNS) except microglia.

• Neuroblasts (neuronal precursors), astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells all originate from the neuroectoderm of the neural tube.
• Microglia, however, are derived from the mesoderm and function as the resident macrophages of the CNS, playing a key role in immune defense and phagocytosis.

Why the other options are incorrect:

1. Neuroblast:
   • Neuroblasts are the precursor cells of neurons, arising from the neural tube.
2. Oligodendrocytes:
   • Oligodendrocytes, responsible for myelination in the CNS, originate from the neural tube.
3. Ependymal cells:
   • Ependymal cells, which line the ventricles and produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), come from the neural tube.
4. Astrocytes:
   • Astrocytes, which provide support, nutrient transport, and maintain the blood-brain barrier, originate from the neural tube.

The hindbrain is also called the rhombencephalon. The hindbrain is one of the three primary divisions of the brain during embryonic development (the other two being the forebrain and midbrain). It consists of two main parts:

1. Metencephalon (includes the pons and cerebellum).
2. Myelencephalon (includes the medulla oblongata).

Why the other options are wrong:

1. Mesencephalon:
   • The mesencephalon is another name for the midbrain, not the hindbrain. It is located between the forebrain and hindbrain.
2. Diencephalon:
   • The diencephalon is part of the forebrain and includes structures like the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. It is not related to the hindbrain.
3. Myelencephalon:
   • The myelencephalon is a subdivision of the hindbrain (rhombencephalon) and includes the medulla oblongata. However, it is not another name for the entire hindbrain.
4. Metencephalon:
   • The metencephalon is another subdivision of the hindbrain (rhombencephalon) and includes the pons and cerebellum. Like the myelencephalon, it is not another name for the entire hindbrain.

Somites are paired, segmental blocks of mesoderm that appear along the developing embryo’s body axis during weeks 3–5 of development. These structures are visible as surface elevations and play a crucial role in forming the vertebrae, ribs, and skeletal muscles. The number of somites is often used to estimate the developmental age of the embryo.

Other options:

1. Notochord: A midline structure that serves as the precursor for the vertebral column but is not visible as surface elevations.
2. Pharyngeal arches: Appear as elevations in the head and neck region but are not segmental like somites.
3. Mesonephric ridges: Form the temporary embryonic kidneys but are not the surface elevations described.
4. Neural plate: Forms the basis of the central nervous system but does not appear as segmental elevations.

Most glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) are derived from the neuroectoderm. However, microglial cells are the exception—they originate from the mesoderm, specifically from monocyte-derived macrophages. These cells migrate into the CNS during early development and function as the resident immune cells of the brain, playing a role in phagocytosis and immune defense.

• Ependymal cells (line the ventricles and produce cerebrospinal fluid) → Neuroectoderm
• Schwann cells (myelinate axons in the PNS) → Neural crest (derived from neuroectoderm)
• Oligodendrocytes (myelinate axons in the CNS) → Neuroectoderm
• Astrocytes (support neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier) → Neuroectoderm

Since microglial cells originate from mesoderm, they are the correct answer.

The 1st pharyngeal arch (mandibular arch) gives rise to structures primarily associated with the trigeminal nerve (CN V), specifically the mandibular division (V3).

Derivatives of the 1st Pharyngeal Arch:

1. Nerve: Trigeminal nerve (CN V, primarily V3 – Mandibular division)
2. Muscles:
   • Muscles of mastication (Masseter, Temporalis, Medial & Lateral Pterygoids)
   • Mylohyoid
   • Anterior belly of Digastric
   • Tensor tympani
   • Tensor veli palatini
3. Skeletal Structures:
   • Meckel’s cartilage (which later forms the malleus and incus of the middle ear).
   • Mandible, maxilla, zygomatic bone, and part of the temporal bone.

Since the trigeminal nerve (mandibular division) provides motor innervation to the muscles derived from the 1st arch, it is the correct answer.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

❌ Ulnar nerve

• Incorrect because the ulnar nerve is derived from the brachial plexus (C8-T1), not from a pharyngeal arch.

❌ Optic nerve (CN II)

• Incorrect because the optic nerve is not derived from any pharyngeal arch. It is an extension of the diencephalon (brain), not a true peripheral nerve.

❌ Facial nerve (CN VII)

• Incorrect because the facial nerve is derived from the 2nd pharyngeal arch, not the 1st.

❌ Vagus nerve (CN X)

• Incorrect because the vagus nerve is associated with the 4th and 6th pharyngeal arches, not the 1st.

Understanding Brain Development

The brain develops from three primary vesicles in the embryo:

1. Prosencephalon (Forebrain) → Becomes the Telencephalon and Diencephalon.
2. Mesencephalon (Midbrain) → Remains as the Midbrain.
3. Rhombencephalon (Hindbrain) → Develops into the Metencephalon and Myelencephalon.

Thus, the hindbrain is also called the rhombencephalon.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

• Metencephalon – Incorrect

  • The metencephalon is a subdivision of the hindbrain (rhombencephalon) that gives rise to the pons and cerebellum, but it is not the full hindbrain.

• Diencephalon – Incorrect

  • The diencephalon is part of the forebrain (prosencephalon) and includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus, not the hindbrain.

• Myelencephalon – Incorrect

  • The myelencephalon is another subdivision of the hindbrain, giving rise to the medulla oblongata, but it does not represent the entire hindbrain.

• Mesencephalon – Incorrect

  • The mesencephalon is the midbrain, which is distinct from the hindbrain.

The choroid plexus of the third ventricle is derived from the roof plate of the diencephalon. The choroid plexus is responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is formed by an invagination of vascular pia mater into the ventricular system.

During embryonic development, the roof plate of the diencephalon thins out and becomes choroid plexus epithelium, which produces CSF.

Why the other options are incorrect:

1. Alar plates of diencephalon:
   • The alar plates contribute to the development of sensory structures in the diencephalon, such as the thalamus and hypothalamus.
   • They do not form the choroid plexus.
2. Rathke’s pouch:
   • Rathke’s pouch is an ectodermal structure that forms the anterior pituitary gland.
   • It has no role in choroid plexus formation.
3. Basal plate of prosencephalon:
   • The basal plates primarily give rise to motor structures, particularly in the brainstem and spinal cord.
   • The prosencephalon (forebrain) gives rise to the telencephalon and diencephalon, but its basal plate does not contribute to the choroid plexus.
4. Floor plate of diencephalon:
   • The floor plate of the diencephalon contributes to the development of hypothalamic structures.
   • It does not participate in choroid plexus formation.

The adrenal medulla is derived from neural crest cells, which are sometimes referred to as the “fourth germ layer” because of their extensive migratory abilities and diverse differentiation potential. Neural crest cells give rise to a variety of structures, including:

• The adrenal medulla (chromaffin cells).
• Peripheral nervous system components (e.g., dorsal root ganglia, sympathetic chain).
• Facial cartilage and bones.
• Melanocytes.

Other options:

1. Ectoderm: Gives rise to the epidermis and nervous system but does not directly form the adrenal medulla.
2. Notochord: A midline mesodermal structure that induces neural tube formation and becomes the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs.
3. Endoderm: Forms the lining of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
4. Mesoderm: Forms muscles, bones, and the adrenal cortex but not the medulla.

• Anencephaly is the most severe form of cranial neural tube defect (NTD).
• It results from failure of the cranial (rostral) neuropore to close during early embryonic development (~4th week of gestation).
• This leads to absence of major portions of the cranium and brain, while the orbits, face, and brainstem may remain partially intact.
• Common features of anencephaly:
  ✔ Absence of the skull and brain (except for rudimentary brainstem structures).
  ✔ Bulging eyes (orbits remain, but no protective skull above them).
  ✔ Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid due to impaired fetal swallowing reflex caused by brainstem dysfunction).
  ✔ Macroglossia (enlarged tongue).
  ✔ Very short neck (due to severe cranial malformation).

Why the Other Options Are Wrong:

1. Meningitis ❌
   • Not a structural neural tube defect but rather an infection of the meninges.
   • Does not cause congenital absence of brain structures.
2. Encephalocele ❌
   • Less severe than anencephaly.
   • Characterized by herniation of brain tissue through a skull defect, but not total absence of the brain.
3. Acrania ❌
   • Absence of the skull, but the brain may still develop initially.
   • Often progresses to anencephaly due to lack of protection for brain tissue.
4. Iniencephaly ❌
   • Severe neural tube defect affecting the cervical spine and occiput.
   • Characterized by severe neck and spine deformities, but the brain is usually present.

Commissural fibres are not connected

Agenesis of the corpus callosum is characterized by the absence or incomplete development of the corpus callosum, which is the largest commissural fiber bundle in the brain. These fibers normally connect the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing for communication between them. In agenesis of the corpus callosum, these commissural fibers either do not form or are improperly connected, leading to impaired interhemispheric communication.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

1. Decreased gray matter bundles
   This statement is incorrect because agenesis of the corpus callosum primarily affects white matter (commissural fibers), not gray matter. Gray matter consists of neuronal cell bodies, while white matter consists of myelinated axons. The condition does not directly involve a decrease in gray matter bundles.
2. Increased white matter bundles
   This statement is incorrect because agenesis of the corpus callosum is characterized by the absence or reduction of white matter (specifically commissural fibers), not an increase. The lack of the corpus callosum means that the white matter bundles that would normally connect the hemispheres are missing or underdeveloped.
3. Cerebral hemispheres are not connected
   This statement is partially correct but overly broad. While the corpus callosum is the primary structure connecting the cerebral hemispheres, other smaller commissures (e.g., the anterior commissure and hippocampal commissure) may still be present and provide some degree of interhemispheric connection. Therefore, it is more accurate to say that the commissural fibers of the corpus callosum are not connected rather than stating that the hemispheres are entirely disconnected.
4. Decreased white matter bundles
   This statement is partially correct but not specific enough. While there is a decrease in white matter due to the absence of the corpus callosum, the key feature of agenesis of the corpus callosum is the lack of commissural fibers connecting the hemispheres. The term “decreased white matter bundles” is too general and does not specifically address the absence of the corpus callosum.

The basal nuclei (basal ganglia) are a collection of subcortical gray matter structures that play a key role in voluntary movement control, motor learning, and habit formation. These nuclei include:

• Caudate nucleus
• Putamen
• Globus pallidus
• Nucleus accumbens
• Claustrum

The basal nuclei originate from the telencephalon, which is one of the five secondary brain vesicles derived from the prosencephalon (forebrain).

Why not the other options?

• Metencephalon → Forms the pons and cerebellum, not the basal nuclei.
• Diencephalon → Forms the thalamus, hypothalamus, and subthalamus, but not the basal nuclei.
• Mesencephalon → Forms the midbrain (including the substantia nigra, which is functionally related to the basal ganglia but not part of the basal nuclei themselves).
• Myelencephalon → Develops into the medulla oblongata, unrelated to the basal nuclei.

Thus, the telencephalon is the correct answer as it gives rise to the basal nuclei along with the cerebral cortex.

The myelencephalon (arrow E) is the most caudal part of the hindbrain. It forms the medulla oblongata, which is essential for autonomic functions like heart rate, respiration, and reflex actions.

The diencephalon (arrow B) gives rise to key structures like the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. These structures are critical for sensory relay, endocrine regulation, and other autonomic functions.

Agenesis of the corpus callosum disrupts the normal development of commissural fibers, leading to abnormal lateral ventricle morphology, particularly:

✅ Colpocephaly → Enlargement of the posterior (occipital) horns of the lateral ventricles, giving them a characteristic “teardrop” or “bat-wing” appearance.
✅ Widely spaced lateral ventricles → Due to the absence of the corpus callosum, the ventricles appear farther apart, forming the “racing car sign” on axial MRI/CT scans.
✅ Interhemispheric cysts → Sometimes present, further contributing to ventricular abnormalities.

Why not “Prominent Forceps Major” as the Best Answer?

• The forceps major (posterior part of the corpus callosum) is absent in ACC, leading to abnormal Probst bundles, but its prominence is not as striking as colpocephaly in imaging studies.
• Colpocephaly is the hallmark and most striking radiological feature of ACC.

Thus, “Deformed lateral ventricles (Colpocephaly)” is the best answer, as it is the most prominent and defining radiological finding in agenesis of the corpus callosum.

The third ventricle is located in the diencephalon. The diencephalon is a part of the brain situated between the cerebral hemispheres and the brainstem, and it contains structures such as the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus. The third ventricle is a narrow, slit-like cavity that is situated in the midline of the brain and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is surrounded by the diencephalon and connects to the lateral ventricles via the foramen of Monro and to the fourth ventricle via the cerebral aqueduct.

Here’s why the other options are incorrect:

1. Lateral ventricles: The lateral ventricles are located in the cerebral hemispheres, not the diencephalon. They are the largest of the brain’s ventricles.
2. None of these: This is incorrect because the third ventricle is indeed located in the diencephalon.
3. Fourth ventricle: The fourth ventricle is located in the brainstem, specifically between the pons and cerebellum, not in the diencephalon.
4. Cerebral aqueduct: The cerebral aqueduct connects the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle and passes through the midbrain, but it is not a cavity within the diencephalon itself.

The third pharyngeal pouch gives rise to:

1. Inferior parathyroid glands
2. Thymus

During development:

• The inferior parathyroid glands descend with the thymus, which is why they end up positioned below the superior parathyroid glands (even though the superior ones develop from the fourth pouch).

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?

❌ Middle ear cavity

• The middle ear cavity develops from the first pharyngeal pouch, not the third.

❌ Superior parathyroid gland

• The superior parathyroid glands arise from the fourth pharyngeal pouch, not the third.

❌ Tonsils

• The palatine tonsils arise from the second pharyngeal pouch, not the third.

❌ Auditory tube (Eustachian tube)

• The auditory tube develops from the first pharyngeal pouch, not the third.

Spina bifida meningomyelocele is a neural tube defect where both the meninges and spinal cord protrude through a defect in the vertebral column due to failure of neural tube closure during embryonic development. It is the most severe form of spina bifida cystica and can lead to:

• Neurological deficits (e.g., paralysis, loss of sensation below the lesion).
• Hydrocephalus (often due to associated Arnold-Chiari malformation).
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction due to sacral nerve involvement.

This condition is linked to folic acid deficiency during pregnancy, making periconceptional folate supplementation an essential preventive measure.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong:

1. Protrusion of meninges (✗)
   • This describes spina bifida meningocele, where only the meninges protrude, but the spinal cord remains inside.
2. Depression of meninges and vertebral arch (✗)
   • Spina bifida does not cause depression of structures; instead, it leads to protrusion due to incomplete vertebral closure.
3. Depression of meninges and spinal cord (✗)
   • There is no depression, but rather an outpouching of these structures.
4. Protrusion of spinal cord (✗)
   • While the spinal cord does protrude, meningomyelocele specifically involves both the spinal cord and meninges, making this answer incomplete.

Spina bifida cystica is a neural tube defect resulting from the failure of the posterior neuropore to close (around day 27 of embryonic development). It leads to the formation of a cystic mass in the thoracolumbar region of a newborn.

• Meningocele refers to a cystic protrusion of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through a defect in the vertebral column, but without spinal cord involvement.
• If the spinal cord is also herniated into the cyst, it is called meningomyelocele.

Why not the other options?

• Spina bifida (general term) → Does not specify the type of defect.
• Spina bifida occulta → A mild form where the vertebrae do not fully close, but there is no cystic protrusion. Often presents with a tuft of hair or dimple over the affected region.
• Spina bifida aperta → A broader term that includes both meningocele and meningomyelocele, but does not specify the lesion.
• Spina bifida cystica with meningomyelocele → Involves herniation of the spinal cord along with meninges and CSF, which is not the case here.

Thus, spina bifida cystica with meningocele is the correct classification, as the cyst contains only meninges and CSF without spinal cord involvement.

Dandy-Walker syndrome is a congenital brain malformation characterized by enlargement of the posterior cranial fossa, affecting the cerebellum and fourth ventricle. Key features include:

• Hypoplasia or agenesis of the cerebellar vermis.
• Cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle, leading to hydrocephalus.
• Enlargement of the posterior fossa, often with upward displacement of the tentorium and torcula.

This condition is caused by abnormal development of the rhombencephalon (hindbrain) and is often associated with hydrocephalus, developmental delay, and ataxia.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong:

1. Holoprosencephaly ❌

   • Defect in forebrain (prosencephalon) development, leading to failure of cerebral hemispheres to separate.
   • Associated with midline facial abnormalities (e.g., cyclopia, cleft lip).
   • Does not involve the posterior fossa.

2. Arnold-Chiari type I ❌

   • Cerebellar tonsillar herniation through the foramen magnum.
   • Usually presents in late childhood/adulthood with headaches and syringomyelia.
   • No significant enlargement of the posterior fossa.

3. Arnold-Chiari type II ❌

   • More severe than Type I, associated with myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus.
   • Herniation of cerebellar vermis and medulla through foramen magnum.
   • Posterior fossa is small, not enlarged.

4. Agenesis of the corpus callosum ❌

   • Failure of corpus callosum development, leading to cognitive and motor deficits.
   • No effect on the posterior fossa.

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a congenital brain malformation caused by failure of the forebrain (prosencephalon) to properly divide into two cerebral hemispheres during early embryonic development (weeks 4–6).

This malformation is strongly associated with:
✅ Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
✅ Mutations in SHH (Sonic Hedgehog) gene

Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) presents with:

• Holoprosencephaly
• Midline facial defects (e.g., cleft lip/palate, cyclopia, hypotelorism)
• Microcephaly
• Severe intellectual disability
• Polydactyly and congenital heart defects

Why the Other Options Are Wrong:

1. Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) (Incorrect)

   • Down syndrome is associated with brachycephaly, intellectual disability, epicanthal folds, and congenital heart defects (AV canal defects).
   • Holoprosencephaly is NOT a characteristic feature.

2. Trisomy 17 (Incorrect)

   • No well-defined syndrome linked to Trisomy 17.
   • It is usually not viable in humans.

3. Trisomy 15 (Incorrect)

   • Trisomy 15 is rare and typically lethal.
   • Abnormalities of chromosome 15 are more commonly associated with Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes, not holoprosencephaly.

4. Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) (Incorrect)

   • Trisomy 18 is associated with:
     • Micrognathia, clenched hands, rocker-bottom feet, congenital heart defects
     • Severe intellectual disability
   • Holoprosencephaly is NOT a common feature.

Ependymal cells are glial cells that line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. They play a key role in the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and are derived from the neuroepithelium, which originates from the neural tube during embryonic development.

• Neuroepithelium gives rise to:
  • Ependymal cells (lining ventricles and the central canal)
  • Astrocytes (support cells)
  • Oligodendrocytes (myelinating cells in the CNS)
  • Neurons

Since ependymal cells develop from the neuroepithelium, this is the correct answer.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

1. Pachymeninges ❌
   • Refers to the dura mater (outermost meningeal layer).
   • Not involved in the formation of ependymal cells.
2. Leptomeninges ❌
   • Includes the pia mater and arachnoid mater, which are involved in CSF absorption but do not give rise to ependymal cells.
3. Meningovax ❌
   • This is not a real anatomical term.
4. Marginal Layer ❌
   • The marginal layer is the outermost layer of the developing spinal cord, forming white matter.
   • It does not give rise to ependymal cells.

embryonic development, the neural tube differentiates into two key regions:

1️⃣ Alar plate (dorsal) → Sensory functions
2️⃣ Basal plate (ventral) → Motor functions

The alar plate gives rise to sensory structures, including the posterior (dorsal) gray horn of the spinal cord, which processes sensory input (pain, touch, temperature).

Why Others Are Incorrect?

❌ Autonomic ganglia:

• Derived from neural crest cells, not the neural tube.

❌ None of these:

• Incorrect, as posterior gray horn is formed by the alar plate.

❌ Motor neurons:

• Derived from the basal plate, not the alar plate.

❌ Anterior gray horn:

• Also derived from the basal plate, which forms motor neurons.

The mesencephalon (arrow C) remains relatively unchanged structurally and develops into the midbrain, which includes important structures like the tectum and tegmentum. These are involved in vision, hearing, motor control, and alertness.

During the development of the spinal cord, the mantle layer is the intermediate layer of the neural tube, and it contains the cell bodies of neurons. This layer forms the gray matter of the spinal cord, which includes the dorsal (sensory) and ventral (motor) horns.

The developmental layers of the spinal cord are:

1. Ependymal layer (ventricular layer): Innermost layer; lines the central canal and contains proliferative neuroepithelial cells that give rise to neurons and glial cells.
2. Mantle layer: Middle layer; contains the cell bodies of neurons and forms the gray matter.
3. Marginal layer: Outermost layer; contains the axons of neurons and forms the white matter.

Why not the other options?

1. Ependymal layer: Lines the central canal and does not directly house neuronal cell bodies.
2. Marginal layer: Contains axons and forms the white matter, not cell bodies.
3. Alar plate: A specific part of the mantle layer that gives rise to sensory neurons in the dorsal horn, but it is not the general answer.
4. Ventricular layer: Synonymous with the ependymal layer; it contains proliferative neuroepithelial cells, not the final cell bodies of neurons.