The neural crest is a multipotent and transient cell population unique to vertebrates, playing a crucial role in embryonic development by contributing to a diverse array of tissues, including peripheral neurons, glial cells, melanocytes, and craniofacial cartilage. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing neural crest development is essential for elucidating vertebrate embryogenesis and its evolutionary implications. This review focuses on the key processes of neural crest migration, differentiation, and tissue integration. Neural crest cells (NCCs) undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to delaminate from the dorsal neural tube and migrate extensively throughout the embryo. The regulation of NCC migration involves a complex interplay of signaling pathways, including Wnt, BMP, and Notch, which orchestrate cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion properties. Additionally, the spatiotemporal expression of transcription factors such as Sox9, Snail, and FoxD3 is critical in guiding NCC differentiation into specific lineages. The integration of NCCs into target tissues is facilitated by reciprocal interactions with the surrounding microenvironment, involving extracellular matrix components and paracrine signals. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and live imaging techniques have provided deeper insights into the heterogeneity and plasticity of NCCs during development. Furthermore, the study of neural crest-related congenital disorders, such as neurocristopathies, has highlighted the clinical relevance of understanding these developmental processes. By dissecting the intricate mechanisms of neural crest biology, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and identify emerging questions that will drive future research in developmental biology and regenerative medicine