The perinotochordal sheath (PNS) is a "tube" of extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds the avian notochord beginning in the second day of development. Somites, like the notochord, derive from chordamesoblast but are encased by a less substantial perisomitic matrix (PSM). Initially both tissue types exhibit epithelioid characteristics. Somitic cells subsequently disperse, however, while notochordal histoarchitecture is maintained until much later. To test the possible shape-preserving role of the PNS, otochords were isolated from chick embryos by homogenization (which retains the sheath) or by trypsinization (which removes the sheath). Somites were similarly isolated. Tissues were cultured 12-72 hours and studied by LM, SEM and TEM. Mechanically isolated notochords are initially rigid with smooth surfaces. During the culture period a few cells grow outward from cut ends of the notochord, but its overall rod shape and intact PNS are maintained. In contrast, uncultured trypsinized notochords are flaccid, denuded cylinders with numerous cytoplasmic blebs. They adhere to the substratum within 12 hours of culture when a few cells break away from the central tissue rod, migrate laterally, and appear mesenchymal. This cellular dispersion is directional (perpendicular to the long notochordal axis) and continuous (up to 72 hours). At this time a flattened ovoid growth area is formed. Cultured somites form flat circular growth areas within 12 hours of culture irrespective of the isolation method. These data suggest that the maintenance of an epithelial configuration by notochords in vivo may be due in part to physical restraints of the PNS. It seems possible that notochordal secretions (manifested by the formation of a PNS) could result in its compartmentation and axial confinement while its unrestrained somitic relatives are free to disperse.