Genitofemoral Nerve Flashcards

Review the genitofemoral nerve's lumbar roots, course over psoas major, genital and femoral branches, sensory supply, and clinical significance.

Card 1 of 24Question

Which spinal nerve roots form the genitofemoral nerve?

The anterior rami of L1 and L2.

In This Section

1. Which spinal nerve roots form the genitofemoral nerve?

The anterior rami of L1 and L2.

2. From which nerve plexus does the genitofemoral nerve arise?

The lumbar plexus.

3. Where does the genitofemoral nerve emerge from the psoas major muscle?

It pierces psoas major and emerges on its anterior surface.

4. What is the course of the genitofemoral nerve after emerging from psoas major?

It descends retroperitoneally along the anterior surface of psoas major toward the inguinal region.

5. What are the two terminal branches of the genitofemoral nerve?

The genital branch and the femoral branch.

6. Where does the genitofemoral nerve typically divide into its terminal branches?

On the anterior surface of psoas major, usually above the inguinal ligament.

7. Through which opening does the genital branch enter the inguinal canal?

The deep inguinal ring.

8. What structure accompanies the genital branch through the inguinal canal in males?

The spermatic cord.

9. Which structure accompanies the genital branch through the inguinal canal in females?

The round ligament of the uterus.

10. Which muscle receives motor innervation from the genital branch in males?

The cremaster muscle.

11. What cutaneous region is supplied by the genital branch in males?

Part of the anterior scrotal skin.

12. What cutaneous region is supplied by the genital branch in females?

Part of the skin of the mons pubis and labium majus.

13. How does the femoral branch pass from the abdomen into the thigh?

It passes beneath the inguinal ligament, usually within the lateral compartment of the femoral sheath.

14. What is the relationship of the femoral branch to the femoral artery beneath the inguinal ligament?

It lies near the femoral artery, commonly lateral to it.

15. Which cutaneous region receives innervation from the femoral branch?

A small area of skin over the upper anterior thigh near the femoral triangle.

16. Does the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve provide motor innervation?

No. It is a purely sensory branch.

17. Which nerve provides the efferent limb of the cremasteric reflex?

The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.

18. Which nerve primarily carries the afferent limb of the cremasteric reflex?

The ilioinguinal nerve.

19. What is the normal response when the cremasteric reflex is elicited?

Elevation of the ipsilateral testis following stimulation of the upper medial thigh.

20. Which spinal cord segments are primarily involved in the cremasteric reflex?

L1 and L2.

21. Which nearby lumbar plexus nerve may be confused with the genitofemoral nerve because of overlapping genital sensory territories?

The ilioinguinal nerve.

22. Which surgical procedures may place the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve at risk?

Inguinal hernia repairs and other operations involving the inguinal canal.

23. What sensory symptoms may occur with genitofemoral neuralgia?

Burning pain, tingling, or altered sensation in the groin, genital region, or upper anterior thigh.

24. What anatomical variation may occur in the branching pattern of the genitofemoral nerve?

The genital and femoral branches may arise separately from the lumbar plexus instead of dividing from a common trunk.