Myotome

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Myotome

Myotome (/maɪəˌtoʊm/; from the Greek myo meaning "muscle" and tome meaning "cutting") is a group of muscles that a single spinal nerve root innervates. The term is also used in embryology to describe that part of the somite which will give rise to the muscles.

Etymology

The term "myotome" is derived from the Greek words myo meaning "muscle" and tome meaning "cutting". This is in reference to the way that each myotome is innervated by a specific spinal nerve root.

Function

A myotome is the group of muscles that a single spinal nerve innervates. The muscle, and its corresponding spinal nerve, are both supplied by the same spinal cord level. Myotomes are therefore grouped by their corresponding vertebral level. For example, the myotome of the C5 vertebra is primarily responsible for the deltoid and biceps muscles.

Clinical significance

Understanding myotomes is important in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions. For example, a herniated disc can compress a spinal nerve root, causing weakness in the muscles that the nerve supplies. By testing the strength of specific muscles, healthcare professionals can determine which spinal nerve root is affected.

Related terms

  • Dermatome: A dermatome is an area of skin that is mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve.
  • Sclerotome: A sclerotome is the part of a somite in a vertebrate embryo that consists of mesenchymal cells and gives rise to vertebrae and ribs.
  • Somite: A somite is a division of the body of an animal or embryo.

See also

External links

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