Musculoskeletal

A cut through the embryo illustrates that the intraembryonic

mesoderm differentiates into

paraxial, intermediate, and lateral plate portions.

Species: Mouse Species: Mouse
Day Gestation: 8 Day Gestation: 8
Human Age: 22 days Human Age: 22 days
View: Dorsal View: Transverse Cut
 Musculoskeletal
The paraxial mesodermal cells in the trunk become organized into somites.

Species: Mouse
Day Gestation: 9
Human Age: 23 days
View: Transverse Cut
 Musculoskeletal

Species: Mouse
Day Gestation: 9
Human Age: 28 days Removal of the surface ectoderm
View: Lateral better illustrates the segmented
paraxial mesoderm (somites).
The somites are visible through the
surface ectoderm.
 Musculoskeletal

Species: Mouse
Day Gestation: 9
Human Age: 28 days
View: Transversal cut

The lateral plate mesoderm splits into somatic (parietal)

and splanchnic (visceral) layers.
 Musculoskeletal
Species: Mouse
Day Gestation: 9
Human Age: 28 days
View: Ventral

The somatic mesoderm plays an important role in forming the body wall
and limbs, while the splanchnic mesoderm is associated with the viscera.