Differentiation of the somites

7 important questions on Differentiation of the somites

What happens during somite differentiation?

Simultaneous to neural tube closure, newly formed somites reorganize into two regions: dorsal and ventro-medial portion of somites.
1. Dorsal portion differentiates to Dermomyotome (epithelial cells)
2. Ventro-medial portion differentiates to Sclerotome (mesenchymal cells)

What happens to the notochord once somites migrate and differentiate?

Notochord regress and disappear, contributing to formation of nucleus pulposus.

How many sclerotomes are involved in the production of a single vertebrae?

Two adjacent sclerotomes fuse together to form a single vertebrae.
Lower half of upper sclerotome + upper half of lower sclerotome = vertebrae
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What does dermomyotome split into?

  • Dermatome → forms dermis (skin connective tissue)
  • Myotome → forms muscles
  • What is triggered by the formation of distinct muscle masses from myotome?

    Formation of distinct muscle masses from myotome triggers development of motor innervation from spinal cord.

    What does the sensory innervation of the dermatome reflect?

    Dermatome's sensory innervation reflects somitic organisation (segmental organization of somites), meaning each spinal nerve supplies a specific skin region.

    What is the relationship between motor innervation and sensory innervation?

    Motor nerves develop first, guiding sensory nerve paths.

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