Myotome

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Error creating thumbnail:
Gray64.png
Myotome
Details
SystemMuscular system
NerveSpinal nerve
Identifiers
TA98Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 746: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
TH{{#property:P1694}}
TE{{#property:P1693}}
FMA74994
Anatomical terminology
[[[d:Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 865: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).|edit on Wikidata]]]


A myotome is a group of muscles that are innervated by the motor fibers of a single spinal nerve root. Myotomes are essential in the study of neuroanatomy and neurology as they help in understanding the distribution of motor function in the body.

Development[edit | edit source]

During embryonic development, myotomes originate from the somites, which are segmented blocks of mesoderm located on either side of the neural tube. Each somite differentiates into three parts: the sclerotome, which forms the vertebrae and ribs; the dermatome, which forms the dermis of the skin; and the myotome, which forms the skeletal muscles.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Myotomes are clinically significant in diagnosing and understanding various neurological disorders. By testing the strength and function of specific muscle groups, healthcare providers can determine the level of spinal nerve root involvement. For example, weakness in the muscles innervated by the C5 nerve root may indicate a problem at the C5 level of the spinal cord.

Myotome chart[edit | edit source]

The following is a general chart of myotomes and their corresponding spinal nerve roots:

  • C1-C2: Neck flexion
  • C3: Neck lateral flexion
  • C4: Shoulder elevation
  • C5: Shoulder abduction
  • C6: Elbow flexion, wrist extension
  • C7: Elbow extension, wrist flexion
  • C8: Thumb extension, ulnar deviation
  • T1: Finger abduction
  • L2: Hip flexion
  • L3: Knee extension
  • L4: Ankle dorsiflexion
  • L5: Great toe extension
  • S1: Ankle plantarflexion
  • S2: Knee flexion

Related concepts[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD