In the hindermost sections the hypoblast retains a perfectly normal structure and uniform thickness throughout. In the next few sections ([fig. 25] C, Ch´) a slight thickening is to be observed in it, immediately below the medullary groove. The layer, which elsewhere is composed of a single row of cells, here becomes two cells deep, but no sign of a division into two layers is exhibited.
In the next few sections the thickening of the hypoblast becomes much more pronounced; we have, in fact, a ridge projecting from the hypoblast towards the epiblast ([fig. 25] B, Ch´). This ridge is pressed firmly against the epiblast, and causes in it a slight indentation. The hypoblast in the region of the ridge is formed of two layers of cells, the ridge being entirely due to the uppermost of the two.
Fig. 25. Three sections of a Pristiurus embryo slightly older than fig. 28 B.
The sections shew the development of the notochord.
Ch. notochord; Ch´. developing notochord; mg. medullary groove; lp. lateral plate of mesoblast; ep. epiblast; hy. hypoblast.
In sections in front of this a cylindrical rod, which can at once be recognized as the notochord, and is continuous with the ridge just described, begins to be split off from the hypoblast ([fig. 25] A, Ch). It is difficult to say at what point the separation of this rod from the hypoblast is completed, since all intermediate gradations between complete separation and complete attachment are to be seen.
Shortly after the separation takes place, a fairly thick bridge is found connecting the two lateral halves of the hypoblast, but this bridge is anteriorly excessively delicate and thin, and in some cases is barely visible except with high powers. In some sections I have observed possible indications of the process like that described by Calberla for Petronyzon, by which the lateral parts of the hypoblast grow in underneath the axial part, and so isolate it bodily as the notochord.
It is not absolutely clear whether the notochord is to be regarded as an axial differentiation of the hypoblast, or as an axial differentiation of the lower layer cells.
The facts of development both in Amphioxus and Elasmobranchii tend towards the former view; but the nearly simultaneous differentiation of the notochord and the mesoblastic plates lends some support to the supposition that the notochord may be merely a median plate of mesoblast developed slightly later than the two lateral plates.
The alimentary canal or mesenteron was left as a space between the hypoblast and the yolk, ending blindly in front, but opening behind by a widish aperture, the blastopore or anus of Rusconi (vide [fig. 19] B).