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Notochord - Wikipedia PDF
Notochord - Wikipedia PDF
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Details
Identifiers
Latin notochorda
MeSH D009672
TE E5.0.1.1.0.0.8
Anatomical terminology
Notochords are thought to be
advantageous (both in an evolutionary and
developmental context) because they
provide(d) rigid structure for muscle
attachment, but were still flexible. In some
chordates, it persists throughout life as the
main structural support of the body, while
in most vertebrates it becomes the
nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral
disc.[1] The notochord plays a key role in
signaling and coordinating development.
Embryos of vertebrates still form transient
notochord structures today during the
gastrulation phase of development. The
notochord is found ventral to the neural
tube.
Development
Notogenesis is the development of the
notochord by the epiblasts that make up
the floor of the amnion cavity.[2] The
progenitor notochord is derived from cells
migrating from the primitive node and
pit.[3] The notochord forms during
gastrulation and soon after induces the
formation of the neural plate (neurulation),
synchronizing the development of the
neural tube. On the ventral aspect of the
neural groove an axial thickening of the
endoderm takes place. (In bipedal
chordates, e.g. humans, this surface is
properly referred to as the anterior
surface). This thickening appears as a
furrow (the chordal furrow) the margins of
which anastomose (come into contact),
and so convert it into a solid rod of
polygonal-shaped cells (the notochord)
which is then separated from the
endoderm.
Neurology
Research into the notochord has played a
key role in understanding the development
of the central nervous system. By
transplanting and expressing a second
notochord near the dorsal neural tube, 180
degrees opposite of the normal notochord
location, one can induce the formation of
motor neurons in the dorsal tube. Motor
neuron formation generally occurs in the
ventral neural tube, while the dorsal tube
generally forms sensory cells.
Evolution
Structure
The notochord is a long rod like structure
that develops between dorsal nervous
system and gut. The notochord is
composed primarily of a core of
glycoproteins, encased in a sheath of
collagen fibers wound into two opposing
helices.The angle between these fibers
determines whether increased pressure in
the core will result in shortening and
thickening versus lengthening and
thinning.[11]
Additional images
Surface view of embryo of Concolor
gibbon (Hylobates concolor).
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