SOMITE Meaning and
Definition
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A somite refers to a segment or division found in the developing embryo of various vertebrate species. It is a localized area or block of mesodermal cells that forms along the axis of the embryo's body during early stages of development. Somites play a crucial role in the formation of different structures, such as muscles, vertebrae, and connective tissues.
Each somite consists of distinct regions, including the sclerotome, dermatome, and myotome. The sclerotome forms the vertebrae and parts of the ribs, contributing to the development of the skeleton and spinal column. The dermatome gives rise to the dermis of the skin, while the myotome forms the skeletal muscles.
The number of somites varies among species, but in humans, for example, somites initially appear as small blocks on either side of the neural tube in the early embryo. Over time, they undergo a process called segmentation, giving rise to multiple somites along the length of the body axis.
Somite formation is tightly regulated by various signaling pathways and genetic factors. Any disruption or abnormality in somite development can lead to severe defects in the musculoskeletal system, resulting in conditions such as congenital scoliosis or disorders affecting muscle development.
In summary, somites are embryonic segments that give rise to essential structures of the body, including skeletal muscle, vertebrae, and skin. Their formation and subsequent differentiation are crucial in establishing the proper anatomical features of vertebrate organisms.
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Primitive segment; one of the pair of masses, formed from the mesoderm between the digestive canal and the surface of the body in the embryo, from which the segment, provertebra, or metamere is developed.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SOMITE
Etymology of SOMITE
The word "somite" comes from the Latin word "somitus", which means "a part or division". It is derived from the Latin verb "sumere", meaning "to take or to select". In the context of biology and embryology, "somite" refers to the segments that form along the neural tube of an embryo, eventually giving rise to various structures in the vertebrate body.
Similar spelling words for SOMITE
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