Cervical Dermatomes Chart – The term “dermatome” is a mix of two Ancient Greek words; “derma” suggesting “skin”, and “tome”, meaning “cutting” or “thin section”. It is an area of skin which is innervated by the posterior (dorsal) root of a single back nerve. As posterior roots are arranged in sectors, dermatomes are. This is why the term “dermatome” refers to the segmental innervation of the skin.
Dermatomes Diagram Spinal Nerves And Locations – Dermatomes Diagram Spinal Nerves And Locations
Neighboring dermatomes typically, if not constantly overlap to some degree with each other, as the sensory peripheral branches representing one posterior root usually go beyond the limit of their dermatome. The thin lines seen in the dermatome maps are more of a clinical guide than a genuine border. Cervical Dermatomes Chart
This means that if a single back nerve is impacted, there is likely still some degree of innervation to that section of skin coming from above and below. For a dermatome to be completely numb, typically two or 3 surrounding posterior roots require to be affected. In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that dermatomes go through a big degree of interindividual variation. A visual representation of all the dermatomes on a body surface chart is referred to as a dermatome map. Cervical Dermatomes Chart
Dermatome maps
Dermatome maps depict the sensory distribution of each dermatome across the body. Clinicians can examine cutaneous sensation with a dermatome map as a method to localize lesions within central nervous tissue, injury to particular back nerves, and to determine the degree of the injury. Several dermatome maps have actually been developed over the years however are frequently contrasting.
The most frequently utilized dermatome maps in significant textbooks are the Keegan and Garrett map (1948) which leans towards a developmental interpretation of this principle, and the Foerster map (1933) which associates better with scientific practice. This article will evaluate the dermatomes using both maps, determining and comparing the major distinctions in between them.
Why Are Dermatomes Important?
To comprehend dermatomes, it is essential to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal column is divided into 31 segments, each with a set (right and left) of posterior and anterior nerve roots. The types of nerves in the anterior and posterior roots are various.
Anterior nerve roots are responsible for motor signals to the body, and posterior nerve roots get sensory signals like discomfort or other sensory symptoms. The posterior and anterior nerve roots integrate on each side to form the spine nerves as they exit the vertebral canal (the bones of the spinal column, or foundation).