Human Brain - Development

Development

During the first 3 weeks of gestation, the human embryo's ectoderm forms a thickened strip called the neural plate. The neural plate then folds and closes to form the neural tube. This tube flexes as it grows, forming the crescent-shaped cerebral hemispheres at the head, and the cerebellum and pons towards the tail.

Brain of human embryo at 4.5 weeks, showing interior of forebrain
Brain interior at 5 weeks
Brain viewed at midline at 3 months

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