The neural groove is a key structure in the early development of the nervous system in embryos. It forms during the process of neurulation, where the neural plate, a flat layer of cells, begins to fold inward. This folding creates a groove that eventually deepens and leads to the formation of the neural tube, which will develop into the brain and spinal cord. As the neural groove continues to develop, the edges of the groove, known as the neural folds, rise and eventually fuse together. This fusion is crucial for proper nervous system formation, and any disruptions in this process can lead to neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.