2. Somites are mesodermal masses formed on both sides of neural tube during
embryogenesis. The process of somite formation is one of the defining characteristics
of vertebrate development. This process occurs in an anterior-to-posterior direction
and in a bilateral, symmetrical manner to provide the formation of the symmetric
musculature and bones of the adult body. Somites first appear on day 20 of gestation
in humans, at the head-neck border and continue to form at a rate of 1 somite every
3-4 days.
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