Definition

A specific area of skin that is connected to a single spinal nerve, or a tool used for cutting thin layers of skin for medical purposes.

Example

The doctor explained how the dermatome helps in understanding skin sensations and nerve functions.

Conversation

I just learned about the concept of a dermatome in my anatomy class.

Oh really? What is a dermatome?

It's an area of skin that's connected to a specific spinal nerve.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know skin had such specific connections.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dermatome → It is formed from "derma" (from Greek "derma", meaning skin) and "-tome" (from Greek "tomē", meaning to cut). The word refers to an instrument used for cutting skin or a section of skin.

Memory Tip

Think of 'derma' meaning skin and '-tome' meaning to cut — a dermatome is a tool that cuts skin.

Visually Confused Words