Neural tube defects: embryonic origin, cell survival equilibrium impact and clinical features

Central nervous system development is a dynamic and multistep process that occurs early during embryonic life. Failure of neural tube closure results in a birth defect known as neural tube defect, a condition that might present in different forms, from mild to severe. Depending on where and when the impairment occurs, the clinical outcomes will vary. In this chapter, the different types of neural tube defects will be presented, with an overview of the embryonic origin, the relevance of cell survival equilibrium, and the clinical features with a summary of known epidemiology and possible management.