Which dermatome is responsible for sensation over the dorsum of the foot and the great toe?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option C
The correct answer is L5, not L4.
- The dermatomes refer to areas of skin supplied by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve root.
- Understanding dermatomal maps is crucial in clinical neurology and physical examination for diagnosing nerve root pathologies.
- The dorsum of the foot and the great toe primarily receive sensory innervation from the L5 dermatome.
- The L4 dermatome predominantly covers the medial aspect of the leg and foot, including the medial malleolus.
- The S1 dermatome supplies the lateral aspect of the foot and the sole.
- The L2 dermatome corresponds to the anterior thigh region.
Therefore, the sensation over the dorsum of the foot and the great toe is correctly attributed to the L5 dermatome.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd Edition, Volume 2, Chapter 12, p. 1234