The role of embryology in teratological research, with particular reference to the development of the neural tube and heart

There are many intriguing questions that the experimental embryologist can attempt to answer which could provide insight into the pathogenesis of many of the commoner types of congenital abnormalities that affect the human population. I should like to draw attention to certain areas of embryological interest, and make some general and personal observations on teratological research. I shall concentrate on two particular areas of interest, namely studies into the pathogenesis of neural tube closure defects and cardiovascular anomalies because these are the topics of my special interests.