In which area of the body is dermal sensation commonly assessed?

The dorsum of the foot is a commonly assessed area for dermal sensation due to its accessibility and the presence of various sensory nerves. This area effectively helps practitioners evaluate sensory function, as it contains a variety of receptor types, including those responsible for detecting pressure, temperature, and pain.

The dorsum of the foot is also typically less subjected to constant stimulation from activities like gripping, which is more common with the palmar surface of the hand, allowing for a more focused assessment of sensory function. Additionally, while other areas such as the back of the arm and the side of the abdomen may be used to assess dermal sensation, the dorsum of the foot is favored in clinical practice due to its ideal position for testing different forms of sensation without the interference of constant tactile stimuli encountered in more frequently used body parts.