neural induction

Neural induction is a biological process during early development where specific regions of a developing embryo are directed to become the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This process involves signals from surrounding tissues that influence ectodermal cells (the outer layer of the embryo) to adopt a neural fate instead of becoming skin or other tissues. Essentially, neural induction coordinates cellular communication so that certain cells activate gene programs for neural development, laying the groundwork for the formation of the brain and spinal cord as the embryo grows.