At week 4, it develops into segmented round cell clusters (somites) along the neural tube
At the beginning of week 5,42-44 somite pairs are formed in a cranocaudal direction. Several pairs degenerate leaving only 35-37 pairs.
Somites determine body segmentation.
Developmental derivatives of somites
Dermomyotome
Dermatome: Migrate towards the surface ectoderm. Forms the dermis of the neck and trunk.
Myotome: Subdivides into the dorsal epaxial and ventral hypaxial skeletal muscles in the lateral and anterior trunk.
Hypaxial muscles – thoracic and anterior abdominal muscles
Epaxial muscles – extensor muscles of the neck and back
Sclerotome: Each pair migrates medially toward the notochord and fuse. Forms the vertebrae, rib cartilage, and part of the occipital bone
10 derivatives of neural crest cells
Nervous tissue: Neurons and glia of the PNS, Dorsal root ganglion, Autonomic ganglion cells, Schwann cells, Satellite glial cells, Enteric Nervous System
Cranial and head structures: Dermis and Subcutaneous tissue, Bones, Cartilage, Connective tissue, Arachnid mater, Pia mater, Odontoblasts (Dentin), Dental cement