Dermatome Map Female

Dermatome Map FemaleThe term “dermatome” is a combination of two Ancient Greek words; “derma” indicating “skin”, and “tome”, meaning “cutting” or “thin sector”. It is a location 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” describes the segmental innervation of the skin.

Dermatome Map Female

Dermatomes Hi Res Stock Photography And Images Alamy – Dermatomes Hi res Stock Photography And Images Alamy

Surrounding dermatomes often, if not always overlap to some degree with each other, as the sensory peripheral branches corresponding to one posterior root generally surpass the limit of their dermatome. As such, the thin lines seen in the dermatome maps are more of a scientific guide than a real border. Dermatome Map Female

This indicates that if a single spinal nerve is impacted, there is most likely still some degree of innervation to that segment of skin originating from above and below. For a dermatome to be completely numb, usually two or three surrounding posterior roots require to be impacted. In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that dermatomes go through a large degree of interindividual variation. A visual representation of all the dermatomes on a body surface area chart is referred to as a dermatome map. Dermatome Map Female

Dermatome maps

Dermatome maps depict the sensory distribution of each dermatome across the body. Clinicians can assess cutaneous sensation with a dermatome map as a method to localize lesions within central nervous tissue, injury to particular spine nerves, and to figure out the level of the injury. Numerous dermatome maps have been established over the years but are often clashing.

The most typically utilized dermatome maps in major textbooks are the Keegan and Garrett map (1948) which leans towards a developmental interpretation of this idea, and the Foerster map (1933) which associates much better with clinical practice. This short article will evaluate the dermatomes using both maps, identifying and comparing the major distinctions between them.

Why Are Dermatomes Important?

To understand dermatomes, it is very important to understand the anatomy of the spinal column. The spine is divided into 31 segments, each with a pair (right and left) of anterior and posterior nerve roots. The types of nerves in the anterior and posterior roots are various.

Anterior nerve roots are accountable for motor signals to the body, and posterior nerve roots receive sensory signals like pain or other sensory symptoms. The anterior and posterior nerve roots integrate on each side to form the back nerves as they leave the vertebral canal (the bones of the spinal column, or foundation).