What type of sensation is assessed by the dorsum of the hand?

The dorsum of the hand is particularly sensitive to temperature sensation. This is due to the high density of thermoreceptors located in the skin of the hands, which allows for effective detection of temperature changes. The skin on the backs of the hands is more exposed and has fewer layers than on the palms, making it more adaptable for this type of sensing.

In clinical assessments, the ability to accurately perceive temperature can be critical for diagnosing conditions that affect sensory function, such as peripheral neuropathy or circulatory disorders. The assessment of temperature sensation is often part of a comprehensive neurological examination, reinforcing the importance of the dorsum of the hand in this context.

The other types of sensation may be better assessed in different areas or through other specific methods. For example, pressure sensation is usually more associated with the palms where more mechanoreceptors are present. Subtle changes in sensation are often tested in areas with higher sensitivity and discrimination. Tissue shape and size would typically be assessed through tactile sensation, which is also more effectively evaluated in other regions of the hand.