neural tube

American  

noun

Embryology.

1. a tube formed by the closure of ectodermal tissue in the early vertebrate embryo that later develops into the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia.

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neural tube British  

noun

1. the structure in mammalian embryos that develops into the brain and spinal cord. Incomplete development results in neural-tube defects , such as spina bifida, in a newborn baby

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neural tube Scientific  

1. A tubular structure that results from the folding of tissue along the back of vertebrate embryos and develops into the brain and spinal cord. Improper folding of the neural tube is the cause of spina bifida and other birth defects.

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Etymology

Origin of neural tube

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

neural tube

Pregnant women typically take folate supplements to prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2025

A subsequent study found this reduced the number of children born in the U.S. with neural tube defects by 35%.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2024

Though some have a genetic basis, at least half are caused by a folate deficiency, and a key 1991 Lancet study showed that 72% of neural tube defects could be prevented with folic acid supplementation.

From Seattle Times ● May 15, 2024

"This suggests that folic acid taken by pregnant women may not only reduce the risk, but also the severity of neural tube defects in their offspring."

From Science Daily ● May 8, 2024

The sense-organs that had been developed in the fore part of the neural tube are also lost; no trace of which can be found in the adult Ascidia.

From The Evolution of Man — Volume 2 by Haeckel, Ernst Heinrich Philipp August