Paraxial
Paraxial Mesoderm
The paraxial mesoderm is a critical component of early vertebrate embryonic development. It is one of the parts of the mesoderm, which is the middle layer of the three primary germ layers in the embryo. The paraxial mesoderm is located on either side of the neural tube and is essential for the development of the axial skeleton, skeletal muscle, dermis, and connective tissue.
Formation[edit | edit source]
The formation of the paraxial mesoderm begins with the process of gastrulation, during which the three primary germ layers, the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, are established. The mesoderm then differentiates into several subregions, including the paraxial mesoderm, the intermediate mesoderm, and the lateral plate mesoderm. The paraxial mesoderm forms adjacent to the neural tube and notochord.
Segmentation[edit | edit source]
One of the key features of the paraxial mesoderm is its segmentation into somites. This process, known as somitogenesis, results in the formation of repetitive, segmented blocks of tissue along the head-to-tail axis of the developing embryo. Somites are precursors to important structures such as the vertebrae, ribs, skeletal muscles, and dermis. The segmentation of the paraxial mesoderm is regulated by a complex interplay of genetic and molecular signals, including gradients of Wnt, Notch, and FGF signaling pathways.
Developmental Significance[edit | edit source]
The paraxial mesoderm plays a crucial role in the patterning and morphogenesis of the vertebrate body plan. It gives rise to the axial skeleton, including the vertebrae and ribs, and the associated musculature and dermis. The development of these structures is meticulously orchestrated, involving the migration of cells, differentiation, and the formation of specific tissue types.
Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]
Abnormalities in the development of the paraxial mesoderm can lead to congenital defects affecting the spine, ribs, and musculature. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the paraxial mesoderm is essential for developing therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
 | This biology article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
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 |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. 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
