February 04, 2012
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The Primitive Segments

Toward the end of the second week transverse segmentation of the paraxial mesoderm begins, and it is converted into a series of well-defined, more or less cubical masses, the primitive segments (Figs. 90018, 90019, 90020), which occupy the entire length of the trunk on either side of the middle line from the occipital region of the head. Each segment contains a central cavity—myocœl—which, however, is soon filled with angular and spindle-shaped cells.


Fig. 90020– Dorsum of human embryo, 2.11 mm. in length. (After Eternod.)
 
  The primitive segments lie immediately under the ectoderm on the lateral aspect of the neural tube and notochord, and are connected to the lateral mesoderm by the intermediate cell-mass. Those of the trunk may be arranged in the following groups, viz.: cervical 8, thoracic 12, lumbar 5, sacral 5, and coccygeal from 5 to 8. Those of the occipital region of the head are usually described as being four in number. In mammals primitive segments of the head can be recognized only in the occipital region, but a study of the lower vertebrates leads to the belief that they are present also in the anterior part of the head, and that altogether nine segments are represented in the cephalic region.

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 Gray's Anatomy
 
 1. Embriology
 
 2. Osteology
menuVertebral Column
menuSkull
menuCranial Bones
menuFacial Bones
menuExtremities
 
 3. Arthrology
menuTrunk Articulations
menuUpper Extremity Articulations
menuPelvis Articulations
menuLower Extremity Articulations
 
 4. Myology
menuMuscles of the Head
menuMuscles of the Trunk
menuMuscles of the Upper Extremity
menuMuscles of the Lower Extremity
 
 5. Angiology
menuThoracic Cavity
 
 6. The Arteries
menuArteries of the Head and Neck
menuArteries of the Upper Extremity
menuArteries of the Trunk
menuArteries of the Lower Extremity
 
 7. The Veins
menuSystemic Veins
 
 8. The Lymphatic System
 
 9. Neurology
menuBrain or Encephalon
menuCranial Nerves
menuSpinal Nerves
menuSympathetic Nerves
 
 10. The Organs of the Senses and the Common Integument
menuThe Peripheral Organs of the Special Senses
 
 11. Splanchnology
menuThe Respiratory Apparatus
menuThe Digestive Apparatus
menuThe Urogenital Apparatus
menuThe Ductless Glands
 
 12. Surface Anatomy and Surface Markings
 
menuMuscle Tables
 
 Quizzes
menu1. Introduction
menu2. Head & Face
menu3. Neck
menu4. Torso
menu5. Shoulder & Arm
menu6. Forearm, Wrist & Hand
menu7. Hip, Thigh & Knee
menu8. Leg, Ankle & Foot