Nerves of the lower limb and lower torso

Nerves of the Lower Limb and Lower Torso are a complex network of nervous systems that provide motor and sensory innervation to the structures of the lower body. This network includes the lumbar plexus, sacral plexus, and the nerves that arise from them.

Lumbar Plexus

The lumbar plexus is formed by the anterior rami of the first four lumbar nerves (L1-L4) and part of the anterior ramus of the twelfth thoracic nerve (T12). It gives rise to several important nerves of the lower limb and lower torso, including the iliohypogastric nerve, ilioinguinal nerve, genitofemoral nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, obturator nerve, and femoral nerve.

Iliohypogastric Nerve

The iliohypogastric nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lower abdomen and motor innervation to the internal and external oblique and transversus abdominis muscles.

Ilioinguinal Nerve

The ilioinguinal nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the upper medial thigh, root of the penis and anterior scrotum in males, and mons pubis and labia majora in females.

Genitofemoral Nerve

The genitofemoral nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the upper anterior thigh and motor innervation to the cremaster muscle in males.

Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral thigh.

Obturator Nerve

The obturator nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles of the medial thigh and sensory innervation to the skin of the medial thigh.

Femoral Nerve

The femoral nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles of the anterior thigh and sensory innervation to the skin of the anterior thigh and medial leg.

Sacral Plexus

The sacral plexus is formed by the lumbosacral trunk, the anterior rami of the first three sacral nerves (S1-S3), and part of the anterior ramus of the fourth sacral nerve (S4). It gives rise to several important nerves of the lower limb and lower torso, including the superior gluteal nerve, inferior gluteal nerve, sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve, and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

Superior Gluteal Nerve

The superior gluteal nerve provides motor innervation to the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae muscles.

Inferior Gluteal Nerve

The inferior gluteal nerve provides motor innervation to the gluteus maximus muscle.

Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and provides motor innervation to the muscles of the posterior thigh and all muscles below the knee. It provides sensory innervation to the skin of the posterior thigh and the entire lower leg, except for the medial aspect which is innervated by the saphenous branch of the femoral nerve.

Pudendal Nerve

The pudendal nerve provides motor and sensory innervation to the perineum.

Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve

The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the posterior thigh and the upper part of the back of the leg.

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