Normally, the notochord degenerates except in the region of the intervertebral disc, where it remains as the nucleus pulposus. Abnormally, it may persist and give rise to a tumor known as a chordoma. These often develop in the base of the skull/nasopharygeal region and carry a survival rate of less than 5 years on average. They may also occur in the lumbosacral region.

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