Masters of Health Magazine November 2022 | Page 30

The nervous system is the first system that develops in the womb.

At the moment of conception, one cell from mom and one cell from dad come together to form a new single cell that becomes a unique child in the world—you. 

The Cells

This one cell divides into 2 cells, 4 cells, 16 cells, and multiplies into millions of cells in no time at all. In fact, the first neural cells begin to divide and differentiate between the two types of cells at the 5th week of pregnancy. They form the neurons and glia that becomes the body’s nervous system. This is the first system to develop in the body. 

 Primitive Streak

Together these cells are called the primitive streak. They are an elongated band of cells that forms along the axis of a developing fertilized egg early in gastrulation, or the early embryonic development. This primitive streak is considered a forerunner of the neural tube and nervous system.

This primitive streak becomes the brain, the spinal cord, and the spinal nerves. The peripheral nerves begin to branch out and become the organs and systems in the body. Why is this important?

Because this nervous system is the direct communication system for a baby in the womb and it stays that way throughout life. 

The First System

that Develops

by Dr. Eric Plasker, DC