Junctional neurulation: A junction between primary and secondary neural tubes

Abstract

Recent case reports of junctional neural tube defect (JNTD) which is a peculiar type of spinal anomaly showing the functional disconnection of the primary and secondary neural tubes has risen interest in the process of junctional neurulation (the connection between the two neural tubes) during development. This article summarizes the clinical features of the JNTD and reviews the literature on the basic research on junctional neurulation.