dermatoome

Dermatoome is a term used in anatomy to describe an area of skin that is supplied by a single spinal nerve. Each spinal nerve, from the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions of the spinal cord, innervates a specific patch of skin. These areas are not random but form a predictable pattern across the body. Understanding the distribution of dermatoomes is important in diagnosing conditions affecting the nervous system, particularly the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. For example, if a person experiences pain, numbness, or tingling in a specific pattern of skin, it can help doctors pinpoint which spinal nerve or area of the spinal cord may be affected. Neurological examinations often involve testing sensation in different dermatoomes to assess nerve function. Damage to a spinal nerve root can result in sensory loss or altered sensation within the corresponding dermatoome. While the exact boundaries can vary slightly between individuals, the general arrangement of dermatoomes is consistent.