Dermatomabschnitte

Dermatomabschnitte, also known as dermatomes, are specific areas of skin that are primarily supplied by a single spinal nerve. These nerves, emerging from the spinal cord, carry sensory information from the skin to the brain. Each spinal nerve, except for the first cervical nerve, is associated with a particular dermatome.

The pattern of dermatomes follows a sequential arrangement along the body, reflecting the embryonic development of the nervous system. For example, nerves originating from the thoracic region supply sensation to the chest and abdomen in a band-like fashion. Similarly, nerves from the lumbar and sacral regions innervate the legs and feet. Understanding dermatomes is crucial in diagnosing neurological conditions.

If a specific spinal nerve is damaged or compressed, it can lead to altered sensation, such as numbness, tingling, or pain, within the corresponding dermatome. This mapping allows clinicians to pinpoint the likely level of spinal cord injury or nerve impingement. While the general pattern is consistent, there can be slight variations from person to person due to overlap between adjacent dermatomes. This overlap ensures that even if one nerve is affected, the entire area of skin still receives some sensory input.