Genitofemoral nerve

Genitofemoral nerve is a nerve that originates from the lumbar plexus, and contributes to the innervation of the anterior surface of the thigh, the skin of the scrotum in males, and the skin of the labia majora in females.

Etymology

The term "genitofemoral" is derived from the Latin words "genitalis" (pertaining to generation or birth) and "femoralis" (pertaining to the thigh).

Anatomy

The genitofemoral nerve arises from the anterior divisions of the first and second lumbar nerves. It is a branch of the lumbar plexus and is found in the psoas major muscle. The nerve then passes obliquely through the muscle and emerges from its anterior surface.

The nerve then descends on the surface of the psoas major, and at the inguinal ligament, it divides into two branches: the genital branch and the femoral branch.

Genital Branch

The genital branch (external spermatic nerve in males, or the external pudendal nerve in females) innervates the cremaster muscle in males and the skin of the mons pubis and labia majora in females.

Femoral Branch

The femoral branch (lumboinguinal nerve) innervates the skin of the thigh.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the genitofemoral nerve can result in genitofemoral neuralgia, a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the areas supplied by the nerve. This can occur due to various causes such as surgery, trauma, or compression of the nerve.

See Also

• Lumbar plexus
• Psoas major muscle
• Inguinal ligament

References

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