Question

During embryonic development, the series of pouches in the anterior portion of the neural tube form three brain regions in the developing embryo. They are the ________?

1) forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain
2) cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem
3) frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe
4) amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus

Answer 1

During embryonic development, the neural tube forms three primary vesicles: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, which further differentiate into the adult brain structures. The forebrain grows to be the largest part of the adult brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

During embryonic development, the neural tube gives rise to three primary vesicles that form the brain's regions - the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. Early in development, around the 25th embryonic day, the sizes of these regions are more uniform compared to the adult brain. As development progresses, these three regions will further enlarge and differentiate into more complex structures.

The forebrain (prosencephalon) will develop into the cerebrum and other structures; the midbrain (mesencephalon) remains as the midbrain in adults; and the hindbrain (rhombencephalon) differentiates into the cerebellum, pons, and medulla which collectively form the brainstem. By adulthood, the forebrain becomes the largest portion of the brain, while the midbrain remains relatively small, and the hindbrain gives rise to structures contributing to the lower brain regions.