[The biomechanics of the neuroepithelium in vertebrates]

Results of experiments with biomechanical interactions of neuroepithelial cells from growing brain in various vertebrate taxa are analyzed. It is shown that neuroepithelium fulfills a number of mechanical functions at the stages of blastula, gastrula, neurula, and nerve tube. The cells develop mechanical tensions differing by their form, strength and duration. Tensions and compressions are resulted from local or global changes in the form of the cells possessing mechanical sensitiveness. Regular distribution of mechanical tensions and compression is related topologically to various zones of neurons differentiations. This allows to suppose mechanical dependence of processes of determination of the nerve system development at its earlier stages. The place of biomechanical interactions in the brain formation is considered in the framework of the evolution of structural organization of the vertebrate neuroepithelium.