Dermatomes Mnemonic for Effective Learning

Picmonic uses science-backed dermatome mnemonics, like our lumbosacral characters, to transform facts into unforgettable pictures. Engaging stories and quizzes solidify your knowledge. Master dermatology with Picmonic!

DOWNLOAD PDF

Dermatomes - Lumbosacral

Mr. Skin Divisions with Lumber-sack

Picmonic

The skin's surface is divided into specific areas called dermatomes, which are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve. There are 8 cervical nerves (C1 being an exception with no dermatome), 12 thoracic nerves, 5 lumbar nerves and 5 sacral nerves. Each of these nerves relays sensation (and pain) from a particular region of skin to the brain.

6 KEY FACTS

Lumbar spinal nerve L2 correlates with dermatome distribution over the medial thigh.

The dermatome L3 correlates with distribution over the thigh with clinical significance over the medial knee.

Lumbar spinal nerve 4, L4, is characteristically distributed over the kneecap, medial ankle, and big toe.

The dorsum of the foot correlates to the distribution of L5 sensory innervation.

Sacral spinal nerve 1, S1, innervates sensory pathways in the lateral foot and posteriolateral thigh.

Sacral spinal nerves 2-5 correlate with the perianal area and the genitals.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

Dermatomes - Cervical

Take the Dermatomes - Lumbosacral Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

See more reviews

Picmonic for Medicine Covers

Medicine (MD/DO)
2,100+ Videos
25,000+ Facts

*Average video play time: 2-3 minutes

Search for a specific Video or category now!

Or create your own Picmonic

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 2,000,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.