By what gestational age does the neural tube close?

By what gestational age does the neural tube close?

• A. 6-7 weeks
• B. 8-9 weeks
• C. 12-14 weeks
• D. 20 weeks

Answer: (A)

Neural tube closure happens very early in development. The neural tube forms from the neural plate and typically closes during the first month of gestation. By about 6 to 7 weeks’ gestation, the cranial and caudal neural pores have closed, completing the formation of the brain and spinal cord. If closure hasn’t occurred by this time, neural tube defects can occur. The other time frames are too early or too late for the closure to still be happening. This early timing also explains why folic acid supplementation before conception and early in pregnancy helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Neural tube closure happens very early in development. The neural tube forms from the neural plate and typically closes during the first month of gestation. By about 6 to 7 weeks’ gestation, the cranial and caudal neural pores have closed, completing the formation of the brain and spinal cord. If closure hasn’t occurred by this time, neural tube defects can occur. The other time frames are too early or too late for the closure to still be happening. This early timing also explains why folic acid supplementation before conception and early in pregnancy helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects.