Nerve
Ilioinguinal nerve
Groin sensory nerve accompanying part of the inguinal canal
High-yield
It normally enters the canal through the abdominal wall rather than through the deep inguinal ring. It then exits at the superficial ring.
Overview
Ilioinguinal runs below iliohypogastric in the lower abdominal wall and eventually accompanies the inguinal canal toward the superficial ring. It supplies small abdominal muscle branches before reaching skin of the groin and adjacent external genitalia.
Reference facts
- Origin
- A branch of the first lumbar anterior ramus.
- Root value
- Usually L1.
- Course
- Crosses the posterior abdominal wall, penetrates transversus and internal oblique, and joins the canal before reaching the superficial ring.
- Motor
- Supplies portions of the lower internal oblique and transversus abdominis.
- Sensory
- Serves the upper medial thigh and skin near the penile root/anterior scrotum or mons pubis/anterior labium majus.
Clinical correlation
Inguinal operations may injure or trap this nerve, producing altered sensation or persistent pain in its groin distribution. Overlap with neighboring nerves means symptoms need not outline a sharply bounded patch.
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the ilioinguinal nerve?
Usually L1.
What muscles does the ilioinguinal nerve supply?
Supplies portions of the lower internal oblique and transversus abdominis.
What is the sensory distribution of the ilioinguinal nerve?
The ilioinguinal nerve carries sensation from the serves the upper medial thigh and skin near the penile root/anterior scrotum or mons pubis/anterior labium majus.
What is the course of the ilioinguinal nerve?
Crosses the posterior abdominal wall, penetrates transversus and internal oblique, and joins the canal before reaching the superficial ring.