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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
Choline plays an important role in a baby's brain growth and development and may reduce the risk of neural tube defects and other birth defects, so choline needs are higher when a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024
Amniotic fluid contains cells with genetic information that can help to diagnose genetic disorders and open neural tube defects, including spina bifida.
—Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024
Since that rule took effect, the proportion of babies born with neural tube defects has dropped by 35% — about 1,300 fewer babies every year — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Ana B. Ibarra, The Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2024
The new findings may also shed light on a type of neural tube defect in embryos known as spina bifida.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024
The formation of the spine and brain (neural tube) of the baby happens primarily during the first trimester, so given choline is critical for this process, adequate choline intake during the first trimester is likely most important.
—Casey Seiden, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024
Related article Common pesticides in food reducing sperm count worldwide, study says
Pesticides have been linked in studies to preterm births, congenital malformations such as neural tube defects, spontaneous abortions and an increase in genetic damage in humans.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024
The researchers also documented evidence of further organogenesis and formation of the neural tube, which goes on to form the brain and spinal cord.
—Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 1 June 2023
Future studies could test the theory that an ancient evolutionary genetic trade-off of losing a tail contributed to neural tube birth defects.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024
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 4 Jul. 2024.
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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