Neural crest

The neural crest, a component of the ectoderm, is one of several ridgelike clusters of cells found on either side of the neural tube in vertebrate embryos. It has been referred to as the fourth germ layer, due to its great importance. During development, these cells migrate extensively to yield a wide range of cell types and structures, including:


 * odontoblasts (dentin-producing cells) of the teeth
 * certain autonomic ganglia (e.g. the sympathetic chain ganglia)
 * dorsal root ganglia
 * chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla
 * melanocytes
 * Schwann cells
 * spiral septum of the heart