neuroblasts
Immature nerve cells
Neuroblasts are immature nerve cells—precursors that divide and differentiate into neurons during brain development.
They originate in specific regions of the embryonic nervous system and migrate to their final positions before maturing.
In adults, neuroblasts persist in limited brain areas where new neurons continue to form: Researchers tracked neuroblasts migrating to the olfactory bulb.
Recognizing meaningful differences
- migrationMovement to new territory
- proliferationRapid increase in quantity
- radial gliaEmbryonic brain support cells
- cell fateCell's developmental outcome
commitment · maturation · lamination · prenatal development · stem cells · lineage
Nuclear division producing identical cells
- divisionSplitting into parts
- cytoplasmGel surrounding the nucleus
- nucleusCentral controlling part
- cell bodyNeuron's central mass
membrane · organelles · microtubules · actin · motility · polarity · adhesion · signaling
Cancerous, invasive growth
- adrenal glandKidney-top hormone producer
- sympathetic nervous systemAutonomic division activating arousal
- metastasisCancer spreading beyond origin
- oncogeneTumor-inducing genetic element
chemotherapy · staging · prognosis · regression · catecholamines · spontaneous remission
Laboratory technique for growing tissue
- in vitroIn an artificial environment
- markersPens with porous tips
- organoidsLab-cultured tissue structures
- transplantationSurgical organ relocation
differentiation
Recognizing meaningful differences
- migrationMovement to new territory
- proliferationRapid increase in quantity
- radial gliaEmbryonic brain support cells
cell fate · commitment · maturation · lamination · prenatal development · stem cells · lineage
mitosis
Nuclear division producing identical cells
cell body · membrane · organelles · microtubules · actin · motility · polarity · adhesion · signaling · receptors
malignancy
Cancerous, invasive growth
- adrenal glandKidney-top hormone producer
- sympathetic nervous systemAutonomic division activating arousal
- metastasisCancer spreading beyond origin
oncogene · chemotherapy · staging · prognosis · regression · catecholamines · spontaneous remission
cell culture
Laboratory technique for growing tissue
- in vitroIn an artificial environment
- markersPens with porous tips
- organoidsLab-cultured tissue structures
transplantation · fate mapping · electrophysiology · CRISPR · knockout
neuroblastsmotor neurons
Nerves controlling muscle activation
sensory neurons · interneurons · pyramidal neurons · astrocytes