Iliohypogastric Nerve

Description

Illustration of the iliohypogastric nerve

Schematic diagram showing the pathway of ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerve. GFN: genitofemoral nerve

Name

• Iliohypogastric Nerve

General

• Mixed branch of the lumbar plexus, arising from anterior ramus L1
• Supplies motor and sensory innervation to the abdominal muscles, skin of the posterolateral glutes and suprapubic area

Anatomic Course

• Arises from anterior ramus of L1 of the lumbar plexus
• Runs alongside the ilioinguinal nerve
• Emerges from the upper lateral border of psoas
• Then passes inferolateral, posterior to the lower pole of the kidneys
• In front of quadratus lumborum
• Then runs towards abdominal wall, piercing transversus abdominus above the iliac crest
• Continues anteriorly between transversus abdominis, internal abdominal oblique

Motor Innervation

• Transversus Abdominis
• Internal Abdominal Oblique
• Conjoint Tendon

Sensory Innervation

• External Abdominal Oblique
• Transversus abdominis
• Internal abdominal oblique
• Skin of the suprapubic region, posterolateral aspect of gluteal region

Anterior Cutaneous Branch

• Pierces both internal and external abdominal obliques superior to iliac crest
• Supplies posterolateral aspect of the gluteal skin

Lateral Cutaneous Branch

• Continues anteriorly between internal abdominal oblique and transversus abdominis, innervating both
• Pierces internal oblique 2 cm medial to ASIS
• Passes through aponeurosis of external abdominal oblique, 3 cm above inguinal ring, supply skin of pubis

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Clinical Significance

• Iliohypogastric Nerve Injury

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See Also

• Groin Pain Main
• Physical Exam Groin
• Nerve Anatomy Main

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