A dermatome is an area of skin that is mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve. There are eight cervical nerves, twelve thoracic nerves, five lumbar nerves and five sacral nerves. Each of these nerves relays sensation (including pain) from a particular region of skin to the brain. Dermatomes are useful in neurology for finding the site of damage to the spine.
Below is the list of dermatomes key muscles:
C5 - clavicle
C6 - Thumb
T4 - level of nipples
T10 - level of umbilical
T12 - inguinal region
L2 - midthigh anteriorly
L4 - medial side of great toe
There are 2 standard ways to test the dermatome: by using sharp and blunt test using a pin and a light touch test using the cotton wool.
