Understanding Neural Development

Neural development is an amalgamation of the studies of neuroscience and developmental biology. It describes the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the emergence and development of complex nervous systems during embryonic development which continues throughout life. During the embryonic stage, the development of the nervous system entails the processes of neurulation, the formation of the brain and the spinal cord. Neurons travel from their points of origin to the final positions in the brain in a process termed as neuronal migration which can occur through the processes of radial migration, tangential migration and axophilic migration. The study of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment in the adult brain is an area of significant research. Such studies as well as the studies focused on neurotrophic factors that regulate and promote neuronal survival in the developing nervous system are the mainstay of research in neural development. This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of neural development. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies have been included in this book. It is a resource guide for experts as well as students.