Neural Plate Induction Following gastrulation, the dorsal midline mesoderm (Chordamesoderm) releases protein signals that INDUCE the overlying ectoderm to become Neural Plate Ectoderm. Courtesy Dr. J. Hardin, Univ. of Wisconsin

Neural Plate in an embryo. The neural plate ectoderm is stained a pale blue color, while the non-neural ectoderm is a very dark blue color. The forebrain will develop from the most anterior part of the neural plate, then the midbrain, hindbrain and spinal cord as you move to the posterior of the plate.

Neural Fold Closure Through cell shape changes, the neural plate curls forming a neural fold on each side. The neural folds come together and fuse along the dorsal midline producing the closed Neural Tube.