Definition
noun, plural: somites
(1) (embryology) Any of the paired block-like segments of mesoderm, occurring dorsally, alongside the neural tube, and eventually gives rise to the dermis (dermatome region), spinal column (sclerotome region), or skeletal muscle (myotome region)
(2) (zoology) Any of the longitudinal segments or body division of an animal; also referred to as metamere
Supplement
Related term(s):
- Somite cavity