Development of the human notochord

Abstract

The notochord – the embryonic axial structure (a primitive form of cartilage), which for some time performs the function of the axial structure of the embryo, and is also an inducer of development of the central nervous system and axial skeleton. The notochord is a major regulator of embryonic patterning in vertebrates and abnormal notochordal development is associated with a variety of birth defects in man.