S2 Dermatome Map – The term “dermatome” is a mix of two Ancient Greek words; “derma” implying “skin”, and “tome”, meaning “cutting” or “thin segment”. It is a location of skin which is innervated by the posterior (dorsal) root of a single spine nerve. As posterior roots are organized in sectors, dermatomes are too. 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
Surrounding dermatomes frequently, if not constantly overlap to some degree with each other, as the sensory peripheral branches corresponding to one posterior root usually exceed the limit of their dermatome. As such, the thin lines seen in the dermatome maps are more of a clinical guide than a real limit. S2 Dermatome Map
This means that if a single spinal nerve is affected, there is most likely still some degree of innervation to that segment of skin coming from above and below. For a dermatome to be entirely numb, generally two or 3 surrounding posterior roots need to be affected. In addition, it’s crucial to note that dermatomes go through 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. S2 Dermatome Map
Dermatome maps
Dermatome maps portray the sensory distribution of each dermatome across the body. Clinicians can assess cutaneous sensation with a dermatome map as a method to localize sores within central anxious tissue, injury to specific spine nerves, and to identify the extent of the injury. Several dermatome maps have been developed throughout the years but are often clashing.
The most commonly utilized dermatome maps in significant books are the Keegan and Garrett map (1948) which leans towards a developmental interpretation of this idea, and the Foerster map (1933) which associates better with scientific practice. This article will evaluate the dermatomes using both maps, recognizing and comparing the major distinctions 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 segments, each with a pair (right and left) of anterior and posterior nerve roots. The kinds of nerves in the anterior and posterior roots are different.
Anterior nerve roots are responsible for motor signals to the body, and posterior nerve roots receive sensory signals like discomfort or other sensory symptoms. The anterior and posterior nerve roots integrate on each side to form the spinal nerves as they exit the vertebral canal (the bones of the spinal column, or foundation).