Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve

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Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve

The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve is a significant nerve in the human body that plays a crucial role in the innervation of the genital region. It is one of the two branches of the genitofemoral nerve, the other being the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve.

Anatomy

The genitofemoral nerve originates from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the anterior rami of the L1 and L2 spinal nerves. It descends through the psoas major muscle and divides into the genital and femoral branches.

The genital branch travels through the inguinal canal and is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the scrotum in males and the labia majora in females. In males, it also supplies the cremaster muscle, which is involved in the cremasteric reflex.

Function

The primary function of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve is to provide sensory innervation to the external genitalia. In males, it also plays a role in the motor innervation of the cremaster muscle, which helps in the elevation of the testes.

Clinical Significance

Damage or injury to the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve can result in loss of sensation in the genital area and may affect the cremasteric reflex in males. This can occur due to surgical procedures, trauma, or other medical conditions affecting the lumbar plexus or inguinal region.

Related Pages

• Genitofemoral nerve
• Femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve
• Lumbar plexus
• Inguinal canal
• Cremaster muscle
• Scrotum
• Labia majora