Question

what are neural crest cells and how do they form autonomic ganglia of the developing embryo?

Answer 1

Neural crest cells are multipotent, migratory cells present in the vertebrates. These cells give rise to different cell lineage such as smooth muscle, craniofacial cartilage and bone, melanocytes, enteric and peripheral neurons and glia.

In a developing embryo, the neural crest cells (after gastrulation) are located at the neural plate and non-neural ectoderm. These cells from the neuroepithelium migrate to the periphery. In the periphery, they differentiate into different types of cells. Autonomic ganglia develop from the vagal and sacral neural crest cells.