1. segments of muscle tissue that develop from somites during embryonic development
Usage: anatomy; embryology
2. groups of muscles innervated by a single spinal nerve root
Usage: anatomy; neurology

Examples

• The myotomes form distinct muscle segments along the developing spine.
• Each myotome receives innervation from its corresponding spinal nerve.
• Doctors test myotomes to assess spinal nerve function.
• The C5 myotome includes muscles that control shoulder abduction.
• Myotomes help embryologists understand muscle development patterns.
• Neurologists examine myotomes during spinal cord injury assessments.