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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Most neural tube disorders are debilitating or fatal. —Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2019

While folic acid is essential for preventing neural tube defects, folate is important for other aspects of fetal development. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022

In fact, just half a cup of cooked asparagus, contains 134 micrograms of folate, a nutrient that is vital during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. —Jaclyn London, M.s., R.d., Good Housekeeping, 4 Jan. 2023

In developing vertebrate embryos, these cells form along the back edge of the neural tube (precursor to the brain and spine). —Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 3 May 2019

Another new Santa is Fin Ciappara, a.k.a. Santa Fin, who was born with a form of spina bifida, a neural tube defect that's left the 32-year-old from Barre, Vermont, almost non-verbal, yet able to communicate through his iPad. —Diane Herbst, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2022

On one end, the neural tube started to fold around day 6, on the other a tail began to bud. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 2 Aug. 2022

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

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