American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

CNC cells, or cranial neural crest cells, are primarily derived from ectodermal cells. During embryonic development, particularly in the formation of the neural tube, cells at the border of the neural plate (derived from ectoderm) undergo a process called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), allowing them to migrate away from their original location to various parts of the developing embryo. This transformation is essential for the development of diverse structures, including craniofacial skeleton, peripheral nerves, and various other tissues.

Ectodermal cells give rise to a specific subset of cells that have the capability to differentiate into multiple cell types, which is a defining characteristic of CNC cells. The association with ectodermal origin plays a critical role in the proper development and functionality of structures derived from these cells, contributing to the complex nature of craniofacial and neural development.

Other options refer to different germ layers or cell types that do not give rise to CNC cells, hence they do not align with the origin of the CNC cells in embryonic development.