Which dermatome is affected in a patient reporting loss of sensation at the level of the umbilicus?

Study for the Physician Assistant Clinical Knowledge Rating and Assessment Tool (PACKRAT) 5 Test. Use our interactive quizzes with hints and explanations to get exam-ready!

The umbilicus is typically located at the level of the T10 dermatome. This dermatome corresponds to the area around the navel and is responsible for sensation in that region. Loss of sensation at the level of the umbilicus suggests that the nerves originating from the T10 spinal segment are involved, which aligns with the typical dermatome map where T10 is associated with the umbilical region.

Understanding the dermatomes is crucial for diagnosing conditions related to spinal nerve damage or pathology. Each dermatome corresponds to a specific spinal nerve root, and knowledge of these areas aids in clinical evaluation and assessment of potential nerve damage or neurogenic issues. In this case, the sensation loss being reported specifically relates to the T10 dermatome's expected distribution, confirming the selection of this answer.

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