Nerve
Genitofemoral nerve
Lumbar-plexus nerve with genital and upper-thigh branches
High-yield
The genital branch supplies cremaster and forms the motor limb of the cremasteric reflex. Do not confuse this branch with the separate ilioinguinal nerve.
Overview
The genitofemoral nerve emerges through psoas major and travels on its anterior surface. Its genital branch follows the inguinal region, while its femoral branch reaches a small skin territory over the upper anterior thigh.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Arises from anterior rami within the lumbar plexus.
- Root value
- L1–L2 spinal segments.
- Course
- Passes through psoas, descends on its anterior surface and separates into genital and femoral branches; the division level varies.
- Motor
- The genital branch innervates cremaster.
- Sensory
- Genital-branch sensation includes anterior scrotal or labial skin; the femoral branch serves skin near the femoral triangle.
Clinical correlation
Injury or entrapment near the inguinal canal can produce genital or groin pain and alter cremaster function. Its sensory territory overlaps neighboring nerves, which can complicate localization of symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the genitofemoral nerve?
The genitofemoral nerve arises from L1–L2 spinal segments.
What muscles does the genitofemoral nerve supply?
The genital branch innervates cremaster.
What is the sensory distribution of the genitofemoral nerve?
Genital-branch sensation includes anterior scrotal or labial skin; the femoral branch serves skin near the femoral triangle.
What is the course of the genitofemoral nerve?
Passes through psoas, descends on its anterior surface and separates into genital and femoral branches; the division level varies.