Dermatome Map Of Bodypin On Dermatomes

Dermatome Map Of Bodypin On DermatomesThe term “dermatome” is a combination of 2 Ancient Greek words; “derma” implying “skin”, and “tome”, implying “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 organized in sectors, dermatomes are. This is why the term “dermatome” refers to the segmental innervation of the skin.

Dermatome Map Of Bodypin On Dermatomes

Dermatomes Link To Pain Dr Michael A Castillo MD – Dermatomes Link To Pain Dr Michael A Castillo MD

Neighboring dermatomes frequently, if not constantly overlap to some degree with each other, as the sensory peripheral branches representing one posterior root typically surpass the limit of their dermatome. As such, the thin lines seen in the dermatome maps are more of a clinical guide than a genuine boundary. Dermatome Map Of Bodypin On Dermatomes

This means that if a single spine nerve is affected, there is likely still some degree of innervation to that segment of skin coming from above and listed below. For a dermatome to be totally numb, usually two or three surrounding posterior roots need to be impacted. 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 area chart is referred to as a dermatome map. Dermatome Map Of Bodypin On Dermatomes

Dermatome maps

Dermatome maps depict the sensory distribution of each dermatome throughout the body. Clinicians can evaluate cutaneous sensation with a dermatome map as a way to localize lesions within central nervous tissue, injury to particular back nerves, and to figure out the degree of the injury. Several dermatome maps have been developed throughout the years however are often contrasting.

The most typically used dermatome maps in significant textbooks 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 clinical practice. This article will examine the dermatomes utilizing both maps, identifying and comparing the major distinctions between them.

Why Are Dermatomes Important?

To understand dermatomes, it is important to comprehend the anatomy of the spinal column. 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 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 anterior and posterior nerve roots combine on each side to form the spinal nerves as they exit the vertebral canal (the bones of the spinal column, or foundation).