Stomochord
The stomochord is a flexible, hollow tube found in
epithelial cells, including ciliated and glandular cells.[1]
Relationship to chordate anatomy
Stomochords were initially considered a variant of a primitive notochord, a defining feature of chordates. However, they are now recognized to not share histological composition to that of the notochord found in chordates, lacking the fibrous sheath characteristic of a notochord.[1]
In addition,
Brachyury (T) gene, which is expressed in the ascidian and other chordates notochord, is not expressed in the stomochord, and collagen is absent.[2]
References
- ^ ISBN 0-697-21991-7.
- ISBN 978-0-12-369548-2.