Myotomes are groups of muscles that receive signals from a singlespinal nerve root.
These muscle groups work together to perform a specific motor function.
If you have signs of nerve damage, your healthcare provider orphysical therapistmay do myotome testing.
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The peripheral and central nervous systems communicate with one another.
The motor nerve roots are responsible for muscle movement.
They branch out from the different parts of the spinal cord.
All this is signaling happens at the microscopic level.
A many-fibered muscle contains an innumerable collection of motor units.
Myotomes vs. Dermatomes
Myotomes are often assessed alongside dermatomes.
Dermatomes are areas of skin that are supplied by a single sensory nerve root.
The main difference between a dermatome and a myotome is that dermatomes control sensation while myotomes control movement.
How Myotome Testing Works
Myotome testing helps identify muscle weakness in certain muscle groups.
This information can help your healthcare identify the specificspinal nerve(s)that may be causing muscle weakness.
During myotome testing, the examiner will ask you to perform certain movements.
They will use resistance to determine the strength of each muscle group.
Summary
Myotomes are groups of muscles that receive signals from a specific spinal nerve root.
During myotome testing, you’ll be asked to perform certain movements while the examiner provides resistance.
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