noun
- an early stage in embryonic development of vertebrates when the neural tube is forming
Usage: biology; embryology
Examples
- The neurula stage follows gastrulation in vertebrate development.
- During the neurula phase, the neural plate folds to form the neural tube.
- Scientists study the neurula to understand how the nervous system develops.
- The embryo reaches the neurula stage about 24 hours after fertilization in some species.
- Neural crest cells begin to migrate during the neurula stage.
- Researchers observed abnormal development when the neurula formation was disrupted.