Basal plate (neural tube)

The basal plate is a region of the developing neural tube in the vertebrate embryo that primarily gives rise to motor neurons and interneurons involved in motor function. It extends along the ventral portion of the neural tube, from the spinal cord to the hindbrain.

Development of the basal plate is heavily influenced by signaling molecules secreted from the notochord and the floor plate, which is a specialized structure at the ventral midline of the neural tube. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a key morphogen released by these structures. The Shh gradient specifies different cell fates within the ventral neural tube, with higher concentrations promoting the development of more ventral cell types, including motor neurons in the basal plate.

The basal plate is separated from the alar plate (which develops into sensory regions) by the sulcus limitans, a longitudinal groove within the neural tube. The alar plate is located dorsal to the sulcus limitans.

Essentially, the basal plate represents the ventral, motor-related region of the developing neural tube, characterized by its response to ventralizing signals like Shh and its differentiation into motor neurons and associated interneurons.