American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

The nipples are located at the T4 dermatome level. Understanding dermatomes, which are areas of skin innervated by specific spinal nerves, is critical for assessing neurological function and identifying potential nerve damage. At the T4 level, dermatome mapping indicates that this segment correlates with the location of the nipples on the chest. This knowledge is essential for clinicians during physical examinations, particularly when determining sensory function and localization of lesions along the spinal cord. The T2, T6, and T8 levels do not correspond to the anatomical location of the nipples; T2 is higher up in the thoracic region, while T6 and T8 are lower, positioned in the abdominal area. Therefore, knowing that T4 is specifically associated with the nipple line helps in accurately diagnosing conditions related to thoracic spinal nerves or interpreting clinical symptoms.