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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Three-dimensional Imaging of Nociceptive Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers in Human Skin Biopsies

Three-dimensional Imaging of Nociceptive Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers in Human Skin Biopsies

Published on: April 29, 2013

An evidence-based approach to human dermatomes.

M W L Lee¹, R W McPhee, M D Stringer

¹Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)

|May 13, 2008

Summary

Current dermatome maps are inaccurate. This study constructed a novel, evidence-based map of human dermatomes, highlighting consistency and variability for clinical use.

Area of Science:

Anatomy
Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

Dermatomes are crucial anatomical concepts with significant clinical relevance.
Existing dermatome maps in anatomical texts exhibit considerable variations and inconsistencies.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review the evidence base for human dermatome distribution.
To identify methodologic limitations in previous dermatome mapping studies.
To construct a novel, evidence-based dermatome map.

Main Methods:

Systematic literature review focusing on dermatome ascertainment techniques, location, extent, subject numbers, and limitations.
Critical appraisal of existing evidence to select the most reliable data.
Synthesis of findings to create a new, evidence-based dermatome map.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Three-dimensional Imaging of Nociceptive Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers in Human Skin Biopsies

Three-dimensional Imaging of Nociceptive Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers in Human Skin Biopsies

Published on: April 29, 2013

Main Results:

Current dermatome maps are largely based on flawed studies and are inaccurate.
A novel dermatome map was constructed using the best available evidence.
The new map emphasizes consistent tactile dermatomal areas for each spinal dorsal nerve root.

Conclusions:

An evidence-based approach is valid for anatomical concepts like dermatomes.
The constructed map provides a more accurate representation of human dermatomes.
Greater emphasis on dermatome overlap and variability is clinically important.