Which structural feature of the CNS is primarily generated by neural crest cells, including dorsal root ganglia formation?

Which structural feature of the CNS is primarily generated by neural crest cells, including dorsal root ganglia formation?

• A. Dorsal root ganglia and other peripheral nervous system derivatives
• B. Forebrain cortex
• C. Basal ganglia
• D. Spinal cord white matter

Answer: (A)

Neural crest cells migrate from the border of the developing neural tube and give rise to many peripheral structures. Among their most important derivatives are the dorsal root ganglia, which contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons, and other components of the peripheral nervous system such as autonomic ganglia and Schwann cells. This is why the dorsal root ganglia and related PNS derivatives are the correct choice—their origin is neural crest. In contrast, forebrain cortex and basal ganglia develop from neural tube neuroepithelium and are CNS structures, while spinal cord white matter consists of CNS axons myelinated by oligodendrocytes, also derived from neural tube cells.

Neural crest cells migrate from the border of the developing neural tube and give rise to many peripheral structures. Among their most important derivatives are the dorsal root ganglia, which contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons, and other components of the peripheral nervous system such as autonomic ganglia and Schwann cells. This is why the dorsal root ganglia and related PNS derivatives are the correct choice—their origin is neural crest.

In contrast, forebrain cortex and basal ganglia develop from neural tube neuroepithelium and are CNS structures, while spinal cord white matter consists of CNS axons myelinated by oligodendrocytes, also derived from neural tube cells.