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Neural Crest as a Fourth Germ Layer


Sometimes neural crest is called a fourth germ layer along with endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm.

Which of the following neural crest features could warrant such a designation?


Neural crest originates at the dorsal most part of the neural tube where both cells of the overlying epidermis and underlying neural plate contribute to its formation.


Neural crest gives rise to a variety of cell types and tissues, including melanocytes of the skin and neural ganglion cells of the gut.


Neural cells derived from neural crest form ganglia associated with organs that have distinct developmental origins, e.g. mesoderm derived heart and endoderm derived gut.