Anatomy

Notochord

A cartilaginous rod of mesodermal cells at the dorsal midline of all CHORDATE embryos. In lower vertebrates, notochord is the backbone of support. In the higher vertebrates, notochord is a transient structure, and segments of the vertebral column will develop around it. Notochord is also a source of midline signals that pattern surrounding tissues including the NEURAL TUBE development.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A cartilaginous rod of mesodermal cells at the dorsal midline of all CHORDATE embryos. In lower vertebrates, notochord is the backbone of support. In the higher vertebrates, notochord is a transient structure, and segments of the vertebral column will develop around it. Notochord is also a source of midline signals that pattern surrounding tissues including the NEURAL TUBE development.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Notochords
  • Chordamesoderm
  • Chordamesoderms

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

History Note

91(79); was see under EMBRYO 1979-90

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Chick Embryo (1966-1978)
  • Embryo (1966-1978)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. A16.660w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Notochord. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D009672. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D009672
  2. Notochord. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notochord
  3. Notochord. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q243469