The word "myotome" is a term used in anatomy and physiology to describe a group of muscles that are innervated by a single spinal nerve. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /maɪəˌtoʊm/. The first syllable "myo" is pronounced with a long "i" sound as in "eye" followed by the sound "ah". The second syllable "tome" is pronounced with a short "o" sound as in "hot" followed by the sound "m". The emphasis is on the second syllable.
A myotome refers to a distinct segment of skeletal muscle in the body, typically defined by the innervation of a single spinal nerve or a group of closely related spinal nerves. It is a region in the body that receives its nerve supply from a specific spinal segment. Each myotome is correlated with a specific spinal level that corresponds to a specific set of muscles and a particular movement or action.
Myotomes are critical in the understanding of human anatomy and physiology, particularly in relation to neurological disorders or injuries involving the peripheral nerves exiting the spinal cord. By mapping the myotomes of the body, healthcare professionals can identify the precise area and muscles affected by nerve damage or dysfunction.
The knowledge and application of myotomes are essential in diagnosing and treating conditions such as spinal cord injuries, muscle strains, and nerve compressions. Assessing the strength and function of specific myotomes helps clinicians determine the extent of motor impairment, monitor progression or improvement, and develop targeted rehabilitation plans.
In summary, a myotome is a distinct region of skeletal muscle that receives its nerve supply from a specific spinal segment. It plays a crucial role in the understanding and diagnosis of neurological disorders and injuries, aiding healthcare professionals in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of affected individuals.
1. A knife for dividing muscle. 2. A muscular metamere, myocomma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "myotome" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "myo", meaning "muscle", and "tome", meaning "a cutting or sectioning". Therefore, the term "myotome" can be literally translated as "muscle section" or "segment of muscle". In anatomy, myotome refers to a group of muscles innervated by a specific segmental spinal nerve.