Which dermatome is associated with the lateral plantar aspect of the foot?

The dermatome associated with the lateral plantar aspect of the foot is S1. This area corresponds to the innervation by the first sacral spinal segment, which primarily supplies sensations to the lateral side of the foot and part of the plantar surface. This includes areas that register sensory input from the skin on the outer edges of the foot. Understanding this association is vital in clinical settings, particularly for diagnosing and treating conditions related to nerve injuries or issues in the lower extremities.

The other options, while they correspond to different areas of the leg and foot, do not pertain to the lateral plantar aspect. L3 and L4 primarily involve innervations around the medial part of the leg and foot, and S2 is more closely associated with the posterior aspects of the leg and the medial plantar surface. Thus, recognizing S1 as the correct answer highlights the importance of the sacral nerves in lower limb sensory distribution.