Neural development forms and organizes neurons, supporting cells and their connections. It includes precursor production, specification of cell types, migration, axon guidance and later changes in synaptic connectivity. Making the right number of cells and connecting them appropriately are distinct developmental requirements.
A precursor able to produce one or more neural cell types. multipotency is a property of an individual progenitor under tested conditions, not merely of a mixed population.
A neural progenitor with radial processes and context-dependent neuronal or glial outputs. cell morphology, molecular state and traced descendants provide complementary evidence for its role.
Acquisition of neuronal identity and function. Commitment, subtype specification, maturation and survival should be measured separately rather than inferred from one neuronal marker.
Axon guidance directs a growing axon toward appropriate regions or targets. Local signals affect the behavior of its growth cone, linking molecular recognition to directed extension. Reaching a region and forming a functional synapse remain different stages, so an anatomical path alone does not demonstrate a working circuit.
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