Ilioinguinal nerve

Ilioinguinal nerve

The Ilioinguinal nerve is a branch of the first lumbar nerve (L1). It separates from the lumbar plexus along with the iliohypogastric nerve and descends obliquely across the quadratus lumborum and iliacus muscles.

Etymology

The term "Ilioinguinal" is derived from the Latin words "ilium", meaning flank, and "inguinal", meaning groin. Thus, the term refers to a nerve that runs from the flank to the groin.

Anatomy

The Ilioinguinal nerve passes obliquely across the quadratus lumborum and iliacus muscles. It then pierces the transversus abdominis to run above the inguinal ligament and ends in the skin of the upper medial thigh, the root of the penis and anterior scrotum in males, and the mons pubis and labia majora in females.

Function

The Ilioinguinal nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the upper medial part of the thigh and the root of the penis and anterior scrotum in males or the mons pubis and labia majora in females. It also supplies the skin over the symphysis pubis.

Clinical significance

Damage to the Ilioinguinal nerve can result in ilioinguinal nerve entrapment, which can cause pain in the groin area. This condition is often caused by local trauma or surgery, such as hernia repair. Treatment options include nerve block, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical neurectomy.

See also

• Iliohypogastric nerve
• Inguinal ligament
• Lumbar plexus
• Quadratus lumborum muscle
• Iliacus muscle

References

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