What is the difference between the neural tube and the dorsal ventral cord? I was wondering what the difference is between the **neural tube** and the **dorsal ventral cord**. I know that the neural tube forms during embryonic development from the _ectoderm_ layer that folds inwards. I thought that the neural tube gave rise to the central nervous system, however sometimes I see the following: > "the central nervous system develops from the hollow dorsal nerve cord" > _for example:< **question** What is the difference between the neural tube and the dorsal ventral cord or are they both the same? ( _talking about humans_ )

The terminology can be confusing, and I suspect the question you meant to ask was: what is the difference between the **neural tube** and **dorsal nerve cord**?

In vertebrates, the neural tube and the dorsal nerve cord are two names for the same structure. It develops into the brain and spinal cord.

> Neurulation occurs during the early embryogenesis of chordates, and it results in the formation of the _neural tube, a dorsal hollow nerve cord_ that constitutes the rudiment of the entire adult central nervous system.

Source: Colas J-F and Schoenwolf GC. Towards a cellular and molecular understanding of neurulation. _Developmental Dynamics_. 2001. vol 221(2): 117–145.

This differs from invertebrates, some of which have a **ventral nerve cord** that does not invaginate and form a neural tube. As the name suggests, in contrast to vertebrates the nerve cord in these species is located ventrally.

**In summary:**
Dorsal nerve cord = neural tube
Ventral nerve cord ≠ neural tube