Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-4-2017

Publication Title

Cureus

Keywords

chordoma; development; embryology; notochord; nucleus pulposus; spine

Abstract

The notochord is a rod-like embryological structure, which plays a vital role in the development of the vertebrate. Though embryological, remnants of this structure have been observed in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs of normal adults. Pathologically, these remnants can give rise to slow-growing and recurrent notochord-derived tumors called chordomas. Using standard search engines, the literature was reviewed regarding the anatomy, embryology, molecular development, and pathology of the human notochord. Clinicians who interpret imaging or treat patients with pathologies linked to the notochord should have a good working knowledge of its development and pathology.

Clinical Institute

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Department

Neurosciences

Included in

Neurology Commons

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