A 28-year-old man sustains a penetrating injury to the back. Neurological examination reveals loss of pain and temperature sensation on the right side below the level of the umbilicus, with preserved proprioception and vibration sense on the same side. Which spinal cord level corresponds to the level of sensory loss at the umbilicus?
- A T10 ✓
- B T7
- C T4
- D L1
Correct answer: A. T10
Explanation
The umbilicus corresponds to the T10 dermatome. Key dermatome landmarks are: T4 at the nipple line, T7 at the xiphoid process, T10 at the umbilicus, and L1 at the inguinal ligament. These are high-yield for localizing spinal cord lesions. The vignette describes a hemisection (Brown-Sequard syndrome), but the question specifically asks for the dermatome level of the umbilicus.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.