1. a group of muscles innervated by a single spinal nerve root
Usage: medical; anatomy
2. the muscle-forming portion of a somite in embryonic development
Usage: embryology; developmental biology

Examples

• The C5 myotome includes muscles that control shoulder abduction.
• Damage to the L4 nerve root affects the corresponding myotome.
• During embryonic development, each myotome gives rise to specific muscle groups.
• The physician tested the patient’s myotomes to assess nerve function.
• Myotomes are essential for understanding spinal nerve distribution patterns.
• Each spinal segment corresponds to a distinct myotome and dermatome.