How Do You Spell SCLEROTOME?

Pronunciation: [sklˈɛɹə͡ʊtˌə͡ʊm] (IPA)

Sclerotome is a term used in anatomy and refers to a group of cells that become cartilage and bone in a developing embryo. The word is spelled as /sklɛrətoʊm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "sclero" portion of the word comes from the Greek word "sklēros," meaning hard or tough, while "tome" derives from "tomos," which means section or slice. Therefore, "sclerotome" literally denotes a hard or tough section of embryonic tissue that forms the skeletal system.

SCLEROTOME Meaning and Definition

1. The term "sclerotome" is a noun that refers to a developmental structure found in vertebrate embryos, particularly during the early stages of embryogenesis. It originates from the Greek words "skleros" meaning "hard" or "rigid" and "tomos" meaning "section" or "slice." In embryology, the sclerotome plays a crucial role in the development of bones in the axial skeleton.

   During embryogenesis, the sclerotome is formed by a group of cells derived from the mesoderm layer of the developing embryo. These mesodermal cells migrate and condense around the spinal cord, adjacent to the notochord. As this condensation occurs, the cells differentiate into osteoblasts, which are responsible for the formation of bone tissue.

   The sclerotome divides into two regions: the cranial and caudal portions. The cranial portion gives rise to the vertebrae of the head and neck, while the caudal portion forms the vertebrae of the trunk and tail. Additionally, the sclerotome also contributes to the formation of intervertebral discs and the ribs.

   Overall, the sclerotome is a crucial component of embryonic development, as it establishes the foundation for the axial skeleton and provides structural support and protection for the developing organism.

2. 1. A knife used in sclerotomy. 2. A segment of the skeleton derived from a mesodermal somite.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SCLEROTOME

• scerotome

Etymology of SCLEROTOME

The word "sclerotome" is derived from two Greek roots: "sclero" meaning hard and "tome" meaning cut or segment. These roots allude to the segmented, hardened structure that the sclerotome forms in embryonic development.

Plural form of SCLEROTOME is SCLEROTOMES