Somite (Noun)
Meaning
One of a series of similar body segments into which some animals are divided longitudinally.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- A salamander's body is divided into a series of repeating somites, each with a specific function.
- In the embryonic development of vertebrates, somites are formed by the segmentation of mesoderm.
- Each somite gives rise to specific structures such as skeletal muscle, bones, and dermis.
- Somites are the precursors to many adult tissues, including the vertebrae, ribs, and skeletal muscles.
- During the formation of a tadpole, somites differentiate into various types of tissues that eventually form the adult frog's body.