The Notochord: Development, Evolution and contributions to the vertebral column

Although it is the defining organ of Chordates, the notochord is perhaps the least understood of vertebrate organs because it is usually considered a transient structure only present in early embryonic development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

The notochord, despite being the defining organ of the Chordata, remains one of the least understood vertebrate organs. This is primarily due to the frequent replacement of significant portions of the notochord with cartilaginous or bony vertebral bodies. The presence of cartilage in the notochord raises intriguing questions regarding the evolutionary connections between notochord cells and cartilage cells. This comprehensive book combines classical analytical studies with recent palaeontological, experimental, and molecular investigations, spanning developmental and evolutionary contexts. For instance, while the early signaling function of the notochord is conserved across vertebrates, it is noteworthy that the role of the notochord in vertebral body development in tetrapods does not serve as a universal blueprint for all vertebrates. Recent studies on zebrafish and medaka embryos have unveiled the molecular mechanisms underlying a somite-independent notochord-driven segmentation process, which establishes vertebral centra and intervertebral spaces. This process, which is not limited to teleosts, has prompted the authors to present a general discussion on the role of the notochord in vertebral formation.

Modularity and segmentation of the vertebral column are closely interconnected topics. Furthermore, overarching themes in this book include the structure, function, and fate of the notochord in adult vertebrates, as well as the intricate relationships between the notochord and cartilage.

The first book dedicated solely to notochord development, function, and evolution, this comprehensive resource encompasses information from studies dating back 169 years. By integrating developmental, molecular, functional, experimental, and palaeontological studies, the book provides a holistic understanding of the notochord. It documents the fate of the notochord across vertebrates and showcases extensive illustrations, including both classical and new images. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts interested in the enigmatic notochord and its profound impact on vertebrate evolution.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498787918