notochord Hear it!

notochord Definition

noto·chord (nōt′ə kôrd′)

noun

  1. an elongated, rod-shaped structure composed of cells, forming the primitive supporting axis of the body in the lowest chordates and lying between the digestive tract and the central nervous system
  2. a similar structure in the embryonic stages of higher vertebrates, which later is surrounded and replaced by the vertebral column

Etymology: noto- + chord

Related Forms:

notochord Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • have: They are the only pelagic forms that have a notochord and they retain it throughout their lives.
  • call: The development of the spine starts with a band of fibrous tissue called the notochord.

Modifies a noun

  • differentiation: Generally speaking, mutations in these loci prevent notochord differentiation, leading to embryos of significantly diminished stature.