Caudal cell mass

In humans and other mammals, the caudal cell mass (also tail bud or caudal eminence in humans) is the aggregate of undifferentiated cells at the caudal end on the spine. The caudal end of the spinal cord first begins to form after primary neurulation has taken place, indicating that it develops after the cranial portion of the spinal cord has developed. Following neurulation, the caudal tail begins to form a neurocele as it develops a hollow core. After this, secondary neurulation occurs in which the medullary cord begins to form and is filled with many cavities that ultimately form the lumen.[1] The cavities formed from the initial and secondary neurulation combine to form one uninterrupted cavity.[2] There is still speculation on the formation of the caudal cell mass in humans with arguments being made for it arising from many cavities or the continuing growth of the neurocele from the initial neurulation.[3] The caudal cell mass will ultimately differentiate and form into many sacral structures such various nerve endings and the conus medullaris.[4]

  1. ^ Schoenwolf GC (August 1977). "Tail (end) bud contributions to the posterior region of the chick embryo". Journal of Experimental Zoology. 201 (2): 227–245. doi:10.1002/jez.1402010208.
  2. ^ Schoenwolf GC (January 1979). "Histological and ultrastructural observations of tail bud formation in the chick embryo". The Anatomical Record. 193 (1): 131–47. doi:10.1002/ar.1091930108. PMID 760594. S2CID 34960288.
  3. ^ Hughes AF, Freeman RB (October 1974). "Comparative remarks on the development of the tail cord among higher vertebrates". Journal of Embryology and Experimental Morphology. 32 (2): 355–63. PMID 4477993.
  4. ^ Sen KK, Patel M (April 2007). "Caudal Regression Syndrome". Medical Journal, Armed Forces India. 63 (2): 178–9. doi:10.1016/S0377-1237(07)80071-2. PMC 4925436. PMID 27407981.