Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

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Prepare for the COMLEX-USA with quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Gear up for your osteopathic medicine exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the dermatome level associated with the xyphoid process?

  1. T1

  2. T4

  3. T7

  4. T10

The correct answer is: T7

The dermatome level associated with the xiphoid process is indeed T7. The xiphoid process is the lower part of the sternum, and dermatomes are segments of the skin that are primarily innervated by a single spinal nerve root. T7 specifically corresponds to the area of the abdomen that is innervated at that level, which includes the skin over the xiphoid process. Understanding dermatomes can provide valuable insights into the neural distribution in the body. T4 is associated with the nipple line, while T10 corresponds to the area around the umbilicus. T1 covers the upper limb regions, thus reinforcing that T7 is the correct identification for the xiphoid process. This understanding is particularly useful in clinical practice for diagnosing certain conditions or localizing areas of pain or sensation.