Dermatome (anatomy)
Dermatome (anatomy)
A Dermatome (pronounced: /ˈdɜːrmətoʊm/) is a specific area of skin that is served by a single pair of spinal nerves. The term is derived from the Greek words derma, meaning skin, and tome, meaning cutting.
Etymology
The term "Dermatome" comes from the Greek derma (skin) and tome (cut), indicating its role in surgical procedures. However, in the context of anatomy, it refers to the specific areas of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve.
Function
Each spinal nerve relays sensation from a particular region of the skin to the brain. The body is divided into specific regions, each of which is served by a particular spinal nerve. These regions are known as dermatomes.
Clinical significance
Knowledge of dermatomes is important in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the nerves of the body. For example, in shingles, a viral infection of the nerve, the rash usually affects one or two adjacent dermatomes.
Related terms
- Myotome: A group of muscles primarily innervated by a single spinal nerve.
- Sclerotome: A group of skeletal tissues primarily innervated by a single spinal nerve.
- Neurotome: A group of nerves primarily innervated by a single spinal nerve.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dermatome (anatomy)
- Wikipedia's article - Dermatome (anatomy)
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