A morphometric and computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstruction study of neural tube formation in chick embryos.

The origin of the driving forces for neural tube formation remains uncertain but is currently thought to involve the participation of microfilament bundles situated in the apical ends of neuroepithelial cells. In the work presented here, we show how morphometric measurements that map local variations in the apical geometry of neuroepithelial cells (especially apical constriction) can provide information on the distribution of motive forces within the neuroepithelium during neural tube formation. When used in combination with computer-assisted, three-dimensional reconstruction, it becomes possible to analyze the morphometric data from a dynamic, three-dimensional perspective.