What can a dermatome map tell us about the location of a virus, such as the shingles?

What will be an ideal response?


The skin can be divided into different segments called dermatomes based on the spinal nerve that supplies the region with somatic sensation. Dermatomes can be combined and assembled into a dermatome map that represents all the spinal nerves (except the first cervical spinal nerve). The virus that causes the shingles can cause a painful skin rash with blisters. The virus can present unilaterally (along one side) along dermatomes. We can determine which spinal nerves are infected with the virus by the affected skin region(s).

Anatomy & Physiology

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Anatomy & Physiology

The glenoid cavity of the ________ articulates with the head of the ________

A) sternum; humerus B) humerus; scapula C) scapula; humerus D) radius; humerus E) scapula; sternum

Anatomy & Physiology

Plasma proteins in capillaries help to

A) maintain the hydrostatic pressure of the blood. B) decrease the hydrostatic pressure of the blood. C) decrease the osmotic pressure of the blood. D) maintain the osmotic pressure of the blood.

Anatomy & Physiology

The spinothalamic tract is

A) motor. B) transverse. C) efferent. D) ascending. E) descending.

Anatomy & Physiology