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Muscular Anatomy
Myotomes
Myomera
The zig-zag muscle blocks that make up the flesh of a fish - each vertebra pair controlling a nested cone of muscle.
Region: Trunk Universal in fish Unique to: all
📖 Overview
The W-shaped or W-nested pattern visible on a cross-section of a filleted fish is the arrangement of myotomes. Each vertebra corresponds to one pair of myotomes, and adjacent myotomes are separated by connective septa. Sequential contraction of these blocks generates the wave of thrust that propels the fish forward.
⚙️ Function
Coordinated sequential contraction creates the rhythmic undulation of fish swimming.
✨ Fun Fact
You can see myotomes clearly on any cooked salmon steak - each pale flake is one muscle segment, separated from neighbours by the darker connective myoseptum.
🔗 Related Muscular Structures