Dermatome Map Of Bodydermatomes Nclex Radiculopathy Occupational Therapy Printable Map Of

Dermatome Map Of Bodydermatomes Nclex Radiculopathy Occupational Therapy Printable Map OfThe term “dermatome” is a mix of 2 Ancient Greek words; “derma” meaning “skin”, and “tome”, implying “cutting” or “thin section”. It is a location of skin which is innervated by the posterior (dorsal) root of a single spine nerve. As posterior roots are arranged in sections, dermatomes are. This is why the term “dermatome” describes the segmental innervation of the skin.

Surrounding dermatomes frequently, if not always overlap to some degree with each other, as the sensory peripheral branches corresponding to one posterior root typically surpass the limit of their dermatome. As such, the thin lines seen in the dermatome maps are more of a scientific guide than a genuine border. Dermatome Map Of Bodydermatomes Nclex Radiculopathy Occupational Therapy Printable Map Of

This suggests 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 need to be affected. 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 Of Bodydermatomes Nclex Radiculopathy Occupational Therapy Printable Map Of

Dermatome maps

Dermatome maps portray the sensory circulation of each dermatome throughout the body. Clinicians can assess cutaneous feeling with a dermatome map as a method to localize sores within central anxious tissue, injury to specific back nerves, and to determine the degree of the injury. Numerous dermatome maps have actually been established over the years however are typically contrasting.

The most frequently used dermatome maps in major books are the Keegan and Garrett map (1948) which leans towards a developmental analysis of this concept, and the Foerster map (1933) which correlates much better with medical practice. This post will examine the dermatomes utilizing both maps, recognizing and comparing the major differences between them.

Why Are Dermatomes Important?

To comprehend dermatomes, it is essential to comprehend the anatomy of the spinal column. The spinal column is divided into 31 segments, each with a set (right and left) of anterior and posterior nerve roots. The types of nerves in the posterior and anterior 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 signs. The posterior and anterior nerve roots combine on each side to form the spinal nerves as they exit the vertebral canal (the bones of the spine, or backbone).