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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Master Dermatomes and Myotomes: Take the Quiz Now!

Challenge yourself with a dermatomes myotomes quiz and test dermatomes skills today!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art of spinal nerves dermatomes myotomes cervical region on coral background for nerve mapping quiz

This dermatomes and myotomes quiz helps you link spinal nerve roots to skin sensation zones and major muscle movements. Practice quick recall, spot gaps before an exam or clinic, and lock in patterns you'll use at the bedside; then keep learning with the spinal cord anatomy quiz .

Which dermatome corresponds to the skin over the thumb?
C8
C6
C7
C5
The C6 dermatome supplies the lateral forearm and the skin over the thumb. This pattern is consistent in standard dermatome maps used in clinical exams. Identifying C6 is key when assessing cervical radiculopathies.
Which dermatome corresponds to the nipple line on the anterior trunk?
T10
T6
T4
T2
The T4 dermatome aligns with the nipple line on the anterior thorax. Dermatomal mapping places T2 at the apex of the axilla and T6 at the xiphoid process. Accurate identification of T4 is crucial for chest wall sensory testing.
Which dermatome corresponds to the umbilicus on the abdominal wall?
T12
T10
T8
L1
The T10 dermatome is classically located at the level of the umbilicus. T8 lies above and T12 is found near the inguinal ligament. This landmark is commonly used in neurological assessments of abdominal sensation.
Which myotome is tested by asking the patient to dorsiflex the ankle against resistance?
L2
L3
L4
L5
Ankle dorsiflexion primarily assesses the L4 myotome, mediated by the tibialis anterior muscle. L3 controls knee extension and L5 controls great toe extension. Testing L4 is important in evaluating lumbar radiculopathies.
Which myotome controls shoulder abduction via the deltoid muscle?
C7
C5
C6
C4
Shoulder abduction is mediated by the deltoid (axillary nerve) and reflects the C5 myotome. C4 contributes to shoulder elevation and C6 is more involved in elbow flexion and wrist extension. Recognizing C5 function is crucial in cervical assessments.
Which myotome is responsible for elbow extension via the triceps?
C7
C8
C6
T1
Elbow extension by the triceps brachii muscle corresponds to the C7 myotome. C6 is more involved in elbow flexion, and C8 in finger flexion. Accurate testing of C7 is important for localizing cervical spine issues.
Which dermatome covers the lateral aspect of the foot and the little toe?
S2
L4
L5
S1
The S1 dermatome supplies the lateral border of the foot and the little toe. L5 covers the dorsum of the foot and big toe, while S2 covers the posterior thigh. Testing S1 sensation is key in assessing sacral nerve root function.
Which myotome controls extension of the big toe?
S2
L4
S1
L5
Great toe dorsiflexion is mediated by the extensor hallucis longus and corresponds to the L5 myotome. L4 is more hip adduction and knee extension, S1 controls plantarflexion. Testing L5 helps localize lumbar spinal issues.
Which myotome is tested by asking the patient to flex their fingers against resistance?
C6
T1
C8
C7
Finger flexion mainly uses the flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis, innervated by C8. C7 contributes to wrist flexion and elbow extension. Testing C8 finger flexion is critical for lower cervical nerve root assessment.
Which dermatome covers the upper anterior thigh?
L3
L4
L2
L1
The L2 dermatome covers the proximal anterior thigh area. L1 covers the groin, L3 extends to the medial knee, and L4 to the medial lower leg. Recognizing L2 distribution is vital in lumbar assessments.
Which dermatome innervates the skin over the medial knee?
L4
L5
L2
L3
The L3 dermatome supplies sensation to the medial aspect of the knee. L2 covers the upper thigh, L4 covers the medial lower leg to the medial malleolus. Testing L3 helps localize mid-lumbar radiculopathies.
Which dermatome covers the medial forearm and elbow crease?
C8
T2
C7
T1
The T1 dermatome covers the medial forearm and elbow crease. C8 supplies the medial hand and little finger, while T2 covers the axilla. Identifying T1 is important in differentiating lower brachial plexus from upper thoracic involvement.
Which myotome controls finger abduction?
C7
C8
T1
T2
Finger abduction and adduction are mediated by the interossei muscles, reflecting the T1 myotome. C8 contributes to finger flexion and C7 to finger extension. T1 testing isolates the lower brachial plexus.
Which dermatome corresponds to the lateral aspect of the neck?
C5
C2
C3
C4
The C3 dermatome covers the lateral neck region behind the ear down toward the clavicle. C2 supplies the occipital area and C4 the region over the clavicle. Mapping C3 is important in craniovertebral assessments.
Which dermatome covers the skin over the clavicle and top of the shoulder?
C5
C3
C6
C4
The C4 dermatome supplies the skin over the clavicle and the highest part of the shoulder. C5 covers the lateral arm below the shoulder, and C6 the lateral forearm. Recognizing C4 helps in assessing high cervical radiculopathies.
Which dermatome corresponds to the apex of the axilla and the medial aspect of the arm?
T3
C8
T2
T1
The T2 dermatome is located at the apex of the axilla and extends across the upper medial arm. T1 supplies the medial forearm, while T3 is slightly below T2 on the chest. Identifying T2 is key in upper thoracic radiculopathy.
Which dermatome corresponds to the xiphoid process on the anterior chest?
T7
T10
T6
T8
The T7 dermatome aligns at the level of the xiphoid process. T6 is slightly above near the epigastrium, and T10 at the umbilicus. Accurate dermatomal testing at T7 assists in thoracic segment localization.
Which dermatome innervates the skin over the inguinal ligament?
T10
L2
T12
L1
The T12 dermatome runs along the inguinal ligament region. T10 is more superior at the umbilicus, while L1 covers the groin crease. Testing T12 is used in low thoracic radiculopathy exams.
Which myotome is tested by asking the patient to extend the knee?
L4
L2
L3
L5
Quadriceps contraction for knee extension reflects the L3 myotome primarily. L2 contributes to hip flexion and L4 to ankle dorsiflexion. Testing L3 is essential in diagnosing mid-lumbar root lesions.
Which myotome is evaluated by testing hip flexion?
L4
L3
L2
L1
Iliopsoas-mediated hip flexion primarily tests the L2 myotome. L1 contributes minimally, and L3 to knee extension. Correctly testing L2 helps identify upper lumbar involvement.
Which myotome is tested by asking the patient to plantarflex the ankle against resistance?
S2
S1
L4
L5
Plantarflexion via the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles reflects the S1 myotome, tested by pushing down on a gas pedal. L5 controls toe dorsiflexion and L4 ankle dorsiflexion. S1 testing is vital for sacral root evaluation.
Which myotome is tested by asking the patient to extend the wrist?
C6
C5
C8
C7
Wrist extension, using the extensor carpi radialis muscles, corresponds to the C6 myotome. C5 is shoulder abduction, C7 is wrist flexion and elbow extension. Testing C6 is important in lower cervical radiculopathy exams.
Which dermatome supplies the medial lower leg and the medial malleolus?
L5
L4
S1
L3
The L4 dermatome covers the medial lower leg and medial malleolus region. L3 is more proximal at the knee and L5 the dorsum of the foot. Recognizing L4 sensory loss is critical in lumbar pathology.
Which dermatome covers the dorsum of the foot and the big toe?
S2
L5
L4
S1
The L5 dermatome includes the dorsum of the foot and the area of the great toe. L4 covers the medial ankle, S1 the lateral foot and S2 the posterior thigh. Accurate dermatomal testing at L5 assists lumbar root diagnosis.
Which dermatome corresponds to the epigastric region just above the umbilicus?
T6
T8
T10
T5
The T6 dermatome lies just above the umbilicus in the epigastric region. T5 is higher at the manubrium level and T8 midway to the umbilicus. Recognizing T6 mapping assists in upper abdominal radicular assessment.
Which myotome is tested by asking the patient to flex the elbow against resistance?
C6
C7
C5
C4
Elbow flexion by the biceps brachii reflex corresponds primarily to the C5 myotome. C6 assists in wrist extension and C7 in elbow extension. Testing C5 helps localize upper cervical root involvement.
At which spinal level is the inferior angle of the scapula located?
T7
T9
T6
T8
The inferior border of the scapula typically aligns with the T7 vertebral level. T6 is slightly higher and T8-9 lower. This landmark is used clinically to estimate thoracic spine levels.
A patient with a C6 radiculopathy would most likely experience sensory loss in which area?
Medial arm
Thumb and radial forearm
Little finger
Middle finger
C6 nerve root compression leads to sensory deficits in the thumb and radial aspect of the forearm. The middle finger is C7 and the little finger C8. Accurate symptom mapping helps diagnose cervical radiculopathies.
Which myotome is primarily responsible for wrist flexion?
C6
T1
C7
C8
Wrist flexion via the flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris is mainly innervated by the C7 myotome. C6 controls wrist extension and C8 finger flexion. Testing wrist flexion localizes C7 root function.
Hip abduction is a function of which myotome?
L2
L5
L4
S1
Gluteus medius and minimus action for hip abduction reflects the L5 myotome. L4 controls ankle dorsiflexion, S1 plantarflexion, and L2 hip flexion. Proper testing of L5 aids in lumbosacral root diagnosis.
Which myotome is primarily responsible for hip extension?
S1
S2
L4
L5
The gluteus maximus mediates hip extension and reflects the S1 myotome. L5 contributes to hip abduction and L4 controls ankle dorsiflexion. Testing hip extension helps localize sacral root issues.
Which myotome is tested by asking the patient to plantarflex the great toe?
S2
L5
S1
L4
Plantarflexion of the great toe by flexor hallucis longus reflects the S2 myotome. S1 controls ankle plantarflexion and L5 toe dorsiflexion. Testing S2 is important in lower sacral root assessment.
The Achilles tendon reflex primarily assesses which nerve root?
L5
L4
S2
S1
The ankle jerk or Achilles reflex tests the S1 nerve root predominantly. L4 is assessed by the patellar reflex and L5 has no specific deep tendon reflex. Correct reflex testing is vital in neuromuscular exams.
The patellar tendon reflex corresponds primarily to which nerve root?
L5
L3
S1
L4
The knee jerk or patellar reflex assesses the L4 nerve root primarily. L3 contributes minimally and S1 relates to ankle reflex. Accurate reflex assessment localizes lumbar levels.
Which dermatome covers the medial epicondyle region of the elbow?
T1
C7
C6
T2
The T1 dermatome extends over the medial forearm and the medial epicondyle of the elbow. C7 supplies the middle finger and C6 the thumb. Identifying T1 dermatome assists in lower brachial plexus assessment.
Loss of sensation at the tip of the middle finger indicates involvement of which nerve root?
C7
C6
T1
C8
The C7 dermatome covers the palmar surface of the middle finger. C6 covers the thumb and C8 the little finger. This distinction is essential in pinpointing cervical radiculopathies.
Which dermatome covers the suprasternal notch area?
T2
C5
C4
T3
The suprasternal notch corresponds to the T2 dermatome, located just inferior to the neck. C4 covers the shoulder area, and T3 is slightly lower on the chest. Identifying T2 is useful in thoracic nerve assessments.
Which dermatome covers the lateral shoulder "regimental badge" area?
T1
C4
C6
C5
The lateral shoulder or "regimental badge" area is innervated by the C5 dermatome. C4 supplies the clavicle region and C6 the thumb. This landmark helps in localizing upper cervical lesions.
Which dermatome corresponds to the skin at the groin crease?
T12
L2
L3
L1
The L1 dermatome covers the groin crease area. T12 is just above the inguinal ligament and L2 covers the upper thigh. Accurately testing L1 helps diagnose low thoracic or high lumbar root pathologies.
Which statement about the L5 nerve root is correct?
It has no corresponding deep tendon reflex.
It corresponds to the patellar tendon reflex.
It corresponds to the Achilles tendon reflex.
It corresponds to the biceps tendon reflex.
The L5 nerve root does not have an associated deep tendon reflex, unlike L4 (patellar) and S1 (Achilles). Testing L5 requires evaluation of myotomes like great toe extension. Recognizing the absence of an L5 reflex avoids misinterpretation.
A positive Spurling's test reproduces tingling in the thumb and index finger, suggesting involvement of which nerve root?
C6
C8
C7
C5
Spurling's test compresses the cervical foramina, and tingling in the thumb/index finger implicates C6. C7 would involve the middle finger, and C8 the little finger. This clinical maneuver helps localize cervical radiculopathy.
Compression of the C8 nerve root would most likely produce weakness in which movement?
Wrist extension
Finger flexion
Elbow extension
Thumb abduction
C8 root compression often causes weakness in finger flexion due to involvement of the flexor digitorum muscles. Wrist extension is C6, elbow extension C7, and thumb abduction primarily T1. Recognizing this pattern refines root-level diagnosis.
In suspected T4 radiculopathy, loss of sensation is most likely to occur in which area?
Around the umbilicus
At the level of the nipple line
Over the clavicle
On the medial thigh
T4 dermatomal loss manifests at the nipple line; T10 is at the umbilicus and C4 over the clavicle. Testing T4 sensation localizes mid-thoracic root lesions. This distinction is key in thoracic radiculopathies.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Dermatome Patterns -

    Locate and name key dermatomes on a body map to test your sensory nerve mapping skills, reinforcing understanding of dermatomes and myotomes.

  2. Recall Myotome Functions -

    Match muscle groups to their corresponding myotomes, enhancing your ability to test dermatomes and myotomes in clinical scenarios.

  3. Differentiate Sensory vs Motor Mapping -

    Distinguish between dermatomes and myotomes by comparing sensory regions to motor innervation patterns, solidifying neuroanatomy concepts.

  4. Apply Cervical Dermatomes and Myotomes -

    Map cervical nerve roots to their sensory and motor outputs, preparing you for advanced assessments of cervical dermatomes and myotomes.

  5. Analyze Quiz Feedback for Improvement -

    Interpret instant feedback from the dermatome quiz to identify knowledge gaps and target areas for further study in nerve mapping.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Dermatomes and Myotomes Defined -

    Dermatomes are discrete skin regions innervated by a single spinal nerve root and myotomes are groups of muscles primarily controlled by that same root. This distinction underpins sensory (pinprick, light touch) versus motor (manual muscle testing) evaluations in neurological exams.

  2. Cervical Dermatomes Mapping -

    Cervical dermatomes C3 - T1 follow a predictable pattern: C5 covers the lateral shoulder, C6 the thumb, C7 the middle finger, C8 the little finger, and T1 the medial forearm. Thoracic levels can be anchored using landmarks like T4 at the nipple line and T10 at the umbilicus, enhancing dermatome recall (Guyton & Hall, 13th ed).

  3. Cervical Myotomes and Muscle Testing -

    Key cervical myotomes include C5 for shoulder abduction (deltoid), C6 for wrist extension (extensor carpi radialis), C7 for elbow extension (triceps), C8 for finger flexion and T1 for finger abduction. Practicing manual resistance tests in anatomy labs sharpens the ability to pinpoint specific nerve root weaknesses (Gray's Anatomy, 41st ed).

  4. Clinical Relevance in Radiculopathy -

    Dermatome deficits guide localization of sensory radiculopathies while myotome testing identifies motor root impingement, such as in cervical disc herniations. A classic presentation is C6 radiculopathy causing thumb numbness and wrist drop, enhancing diagnostic precision during patient assessments (BMJ Case Reports).

  5. Mnemonic Tricks for Fast Recall -

    Use the "Thumbs Up" cue for C6 and the "Pinky Promise" cue for C8 to simplify upper limb dermatome and myotome mapping under exam pressure. The "Back Dot" method - tracing sensory levels from C2 at the occiput to S1 at the heel - also accelerates recall (Oxford Handbook of Clinical Neurology).

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