Dermatome Map Neck

Dermatome Map NeckThe term “dermatome” is a combination of two Ancient Greek words; “derma” implying “skin”, and “tome”, indicating “cutting” or “thin section”. It is a location of skin which is innervated by the posterior (dorsal) root of a single back nerve. As posterior roots are organized in sectors, dermatomes are. This is why the term “dermatome” describes the segmental innervation of the skin.

Dermatome Map Neck

Dermatomes Neurology Medbullets Step 1 – Dermatomes Neurology Medbullets Step 1

Neighboring dermatomes typically, if not always overlap to some degree with each other, as the sensory peripheral branches corresponding to one posterior root generally go beyond the limit of their dermatome. The thin lines seen in the dermatome maps are more of a medical guide than a genuine border. Dermatome Map Neck

This means that if a single spine nerve is impacted, there is most likely still some degree of innervation to that section of skin coming from above and listed below. For a dermatome to be totally numb, generally 2 or three surrounding posterior roots need to be impacted. In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that dermatomes undergo a big degree of interindividual variation. A graphical representation of all the dermatomes on a body surface chart is referred to as a dermatome map. Dermatome Map Neck

Dermatome maps

Dermatome maps depict the sensory distribution of each dermatome throughout the body. Clinicians can examine cutaneous sensation with a dermatome map as a method to localize lesions within main nervous tissue, injury to particular spine nerves, and to determine the degree of the injury. Several dermatome maps have been developed for many years however are often contrasting.

The most commonly utilized dermatome maps in significant books 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 medical practice. This post will examine the dermatomes using both maps, recognizing and comparing the major distinctions in between them.

Why Are Dermatomes Important?

To comprehend dermatomes, it is important to comprehend the anatomy of the spine. The spinal column is divided into 31 sections, each with a pair (right and left) of posterior and anterior nerve roots. The kinds of nerves in the posterior and anterior roots are different.

Anterior nerve roots are accountable 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 combine on each side to form the back nerves as they exit the vertebral canal (the bones of the spinal column, or foundation).