Sclerotome

Sclerotome is a part of the somite in a developing embryo. It is the medial part of the somite and it gives rise to the vertebrae and ribs. The sclerotome is formed from the ventromedial part of the somite and it is induced by signals from the notochord.

Development

The notochord releases a sonic hedgehog (SHH) protein that induces the ventromedial cells of the somite to become the sclerotome. The cells of the sclerotome undergo a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition where they lose their epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal characteristics. This allows them to migrate and surround the notochord and neural tube to form the vertebral body and intervertebral discs.

Function

The sclerotome forms the axial skeleton which includes the vertebrae and the ribs. The vertebrae are formed from the sclerotome cells that surround the notochord and neural tube. The ribs are formed from the lateral part of the sclerotome that migrates towards the surface ectoderm.

Clinical significance

Defects in the formation of the sclerotome can lead to skeletal abnormalities such as scoliosis, spina bifida, and vertebral segmentation defects.

See also

• Somite
• Notochord
• Sonic hedgehog

References

Sclerotome Resources
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