Dermatomes are areas of skin that are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve.

The diagram illustrates which spinal nerves (L1-L5 and S1-S5) correspond to different regions of the skin.

This information is used in medicine to help diagnose nerve damage or spinal cord injuries by identifying the location of a patient’s sensory loss or pain.

L1-L5: These lumbar nerves primarily supply the skin of the lower back, hips, thighs, and legs.

S1-S5: These sacral nerves supply the skin of the buttocks, perineum, and the back of the thighs and legs.

L5 and S1: The L5 and S1 spinal nerves are part of the sciatic nerve, which runs down the leg, and are often associated with pain and numbness in the lower extremities, commonly known as sciatica.

L5-S1: The L5-S1 joint is a transition point between the lumbar and sacral spine and is highly susceptible to mechanical stress, degeneration, and injuries that can affect the corresponding nerves.