| Name: | notochord |
|---|---|
| Synonyms: | notocord |
| Definition: | Rod-like principal supportive element of the embryo and larva, present in the midline just ventral to the neural tube, and differentiating during the segmentation period to form large vacuolated epithelial cells and a surrounding sheath of fibrous and elastic layers. Layering of the sheath may differ in structure, thickness and development among groups; in cypriniforms there are actually three very thin layers to the sheath. A functional, well developed notochord is present throughout life in certain basal fish groups but not in cypriniforms. |
| Ontology: | Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0000135] |
| Name: | elastic fiber |
|---|---|
| Synonyms: | elastic fibre, elastin fiber |
| Definition: | An supramolecular fiber that consists of an insoluble core of polymerized tropoelastin monomers and a surrounding mantle of microfibrils. Elastic fibers provide elasticity and recoiling to tissues and organs, and maintain structural integrity against mechanical strain. |
| Ontology: | GO: Cellular Component [GO:0071953] QuickGO AmiGO |
| Name: | morphology |
|---|---|
| Synonyms: | |
| Definition: | A quality of a single physical entity inhering in the bearer by virtue of the bearer's size or shape or structure. |
| Ontology: | Phenotypic Quality Ontology [PATO:0000051] |