Notochord: A notochord is a flexible

A notochord is a flexible, rod-like structure derived from the mesoderm that is found in all chordate embryos. Its primary functions are to provide rigid axial support for the body, serve as an anchor point for muscle attachment, and act as a critical signalling centre that directs the development of the nervous system and vertebral column. Notochord is a flexible rod-like structure that is found in all chordates. It is similar to cartilage and is involved in signalling and organisation of the nervous system. The notochord usually develops around 16 days after gastrulation from the axial mesodermal cells and is completely formed by the end of the fourth week. The notochord (axial mesoderm, notochordal process, chorda dorsalis, Wirbelsäule) is the defining structure forming in all chordate embryos (taxonomic rank: phylum Chordata). It is an early forming midline structure in the trilaminar embryo mesoderm layer initially ventral to the ectoderm, then neural plate and finally neural tube. This is a transient embryonic anatomy structure, not existing in the adult, required for patterning the surrounding tissues. The patterning signal secreted by ...