The development of the spinal cord examined by autoradiography

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Abstract
The wall of a recently closed neural tube is generally considered to consist of three concentric layers. Surrounding the lumen is found the ependymal zone characterized by large pale cells known as the germinal cells of His (1889). These cells are believed to give rise to the neuroblasts and some of the spongioblasts. Soon after formation the neuroblasts move away from the lumen to enter a densely packed nucleated zone referred to as the mantle layer. This layer consisting of spongioblasts and neuroblasts ultimately gives rise to the gray matter of the spinal cord. The outermost layer, known as the marginal layer, contains the fibres of the developing neuroblasts and later forms the white matter.