Somite Development

Question 1

Development of Somites

Answer 1

▪️beginning of week 3:
-paraxial mesoderm organised into segments- somitomeres
▪️end of week 3:
-somitomeres organise into somites (each side of NT)
-outer cells become epithelial cells instead of mesenchymal cells
▪️as somite matures:
-sclerotome-chondrocytes
-dermamyotome- dermatome and myotome
▪️appear 3pairs/day until 5th week where there are 44 pairs

Question 2

Somite function

Answer 2

▪️transient structure

▪️essential part of developing body plan