The article provides a comprehensive overview of myogenesis, the process of muscle formation, during embryonic development and postnatal life. It highlights the intricate interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that control this process. The authors discuss the role of morphogen gradients in patterning the somite, the importance of signaling molecules like Wnt, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in specifying muscle progenitor cells, and the involvement of transcription factors such as Pax3, Pax7, MyoD, and Myf5 in lineage specification and differentiation. The article also explores the genetic networks controlling myogenesis, including the hierarchical interactions between transcriptional regulators, regulatory RNAs, and chromatin-remodeling factors. Additionally, it examines adult myogenesis, focusing on the role of satellite cells, their niche, and the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that regulate their behavior. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding these complex regulatory mechanisms for advancing regenerative medicine and therapeutic interventions in muscle diseases.The article provides a comprehensive overview of myogenesis, the process of muscle formation, during embryonic development and postnatal life. It highlights the intricate interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that control this process. The authors discuss the role of morphogen gradients in patterning the somite, the importance of signaling molecules like Wnt, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in specifying muscle progenitor cells, and the involvement of transcription factors such as Pax3, Pax7, MyoD, and Myf5 in lineage specification and differentiation. The article also explores the genetic networks controlling myogenesis, including the hierarchical interactions between transcriptional regulators, regulatory RNAs, and chromatin-remodeling factors. Additionally, it examines adult myogenesis, focusing on the role of satellite cells, their niche, and the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that regulate their behavior. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding these complex regulatory mechanisms for advancing regenerative medicine and therapeutic interventions in muscle diseases.