neural tube
noun
: the hollow longitudinal dorsal tube formed by infolding and subsequent fusion of the opposite ectodermal folds in the vertebrate embryo that gives rise to the brain and spinal cord
Examples of neural tube in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Adequate intake of this nutrient before conception and during early pregnancy has been shown to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
—
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2023
Folate is particularly important in preventing neural tube defects during this time, which is why the CDC recommends starting a prenatal with folic acid before you even become pregnant.18
Are gummy prenatal vitamins as good as pills?
—Anne Cook Carroll, Ms, Parents, 2 Aug. 2023
Because it can be absorbed more easily by our bodies, folic acid is preferred over natural folate for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida during pregnancy.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022
In young frog embryos, cells in a part called the neural tube have a specific electrical charge.
—Study Summaries, Scientific American, 17 May 2023
Pregnant women should take a daily supplement with 0.4 to 0.8 milligrams (400 to 800 micrograms) of folic acid to prevent neural tube birth defects, according to a recommendation from the task force.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 18 Apr. 2023
The fetus had a rare neural tube defect.
—New York Times, 26 Nov. 2021
NCCs are stem cells found in every embryo that show up first at the crest, or top edge, of the neural tube, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2018
The doctor explained that the baby might have a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.
—Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, 8 Feb. 2023
See More
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2023
Folate is particularly important in preventing neural tube defects during this time, which is why the CDC recommends starting a prenatal with folic acid before you even become pregnant.18
Are gummy prenatal vitamins as good as pills?
—Anne Cook Carroll, Ms, Parents, 2 Aug. 2023
Because it can be absorbed more easily by our bodies, folic acid is preferred over natural folate for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida during pregnancy.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022
In young frog embryos, cells in a part called the neural tube have a specific electrical charge.
—Study Summaries, Scientific American, 17 May 2023
Pregnant women should take a daily supplement with 0.4 to 0.8 milligrams (400 to 800 micrograms) of folic acid to prevent neural tube birth defects, according to a recommendation from the task force.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 18 Apr. 2023
The fetus had a rare neural tube defect.
—New York Times, 26 Nov. 2021
NCCs are stem cells found in every embryo that show up first at the crest, or top edge, of the neural tube, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2018
The doctor explained that the baby might have a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.
—Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, 8 Feb. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neural tube.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1888, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near neural tube
Cite this Entry
“Neural tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neural%20tube. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
neural tube
noun
: the hollow longitudinal dorsal tube that is formed by infolding and subsequent fusion of the opposite ectodermal folds in the vertebrate embryo and gives rise to the brain and spinal cord
More from Merriam-Webster on neural tube
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neural tube
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