Definition

A very early stage of an embryo where the nervous system starts to develop.

Example

The neurula stage is crucial for the formation of the nervous system in vertebrates.

Conversation

I was reading about embryonic development, and I came across the term neurula.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It's basically the stage when the nervous system starts to form, after the gastrula stage.

That sounds fascinating! I didn't know embryos went through so many stages.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Neurula → It is formed from "neuro-" (from Greek "neuron", meaning nerve) and "-ula" (a diminutive suffix in Latin, meaning small). The word "neurula" refers to a small structure or stage in embryonic development related to the nervous system.

Memory Tip

Think of 'neuro-' which relates to nerves, and '-ula' meaning small, to remember that a neurula is a small structure associated with the nervous system.

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