The human development is an intricate, fascinating process which is characterized with transformation of a single cell into a complex multicellular organism. It begins at fertilization and progress with a series of rapid cell divisions and differentiation. The neural tube formation is a part of neurulation process which underlies the embryological development of central and peripheral nervous system. It begins at third week and is completed at the end of fourth week. This process involves the formation of the neural plate and neural folds which are originated from the neuroectodermal cells. The neural folds begins to move together and fuse, convert the neural plate into the neural tube. The neural tube gives rise to the brain and spinal cord, the neural crest gives rise to the spinal ganglia and neurolemma sheaths of peripheral nerves. Disturbance of neurulation may result in severe birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects are among the most common congenital anomalies and characterized with wide spectrum of clinical signs and symptoms. Nutritional, environmental and genetic factors play a role in the production of neural tube defects. As from the antenatal period, numerous diagnostic methods and treatments may be administered.

It is aim to provide better understanding of development process of neural tube defects and the management of diagnosis and treatment of them by reviewing the embryology of vertebral column and spinal cord.