neural plate formation
The formation of the flat, thickened layer of ectodermal cells known as the neural plate. The underlying dorsal mesoderm signals the ectodermal cells above it to elongate into columnar neural plate cells. The neural plate subsequently develops into the neural tube, which gives rise to the central nervous system.
GO:0048646
anatomical structure formation involved in morphogenesis
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GO:0001839
neural plate morphogenesis
part_of