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dermatome Definition

der·ma·tome (dʉr′mə tōm′)

noun

any of the segmentally arranged mesodermal masses in a vertebrate embryo, destined to form dermis

Etymology: derma + -tome

dermatome Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • involve: The most frequently involved cranial nerve dermatome is the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve.
  • test: Testing the sacral dermatomes is especially important with an epidural, as these nerve roots are not always blocked.

Adjective modifier

  • affected: Twenty or more lesions outside the affected dermatome reflect generalized viraemia.
  • thoracic: For CS, a block should extend from S4 to the upper thoracic dermatomes.
  • sacral: One common reason for inadequate pain relief is a failure of the block to spread to the sacral dermatomes.