Iliohypogastric nerve (L1)
Nerves · L1
Emerges from the upper lateral border of psoas, crosses quadratus lumborum, pierces transversus abdominis above the iliac crest and runs between transversus and internal oblique towards the pubis, parallel to and above the ilioinguinal nerve.
Traced from the start
- L1 anterior ramusL2 anterior ramus
- Upper lumbar branches (L1–L2)
- Iliohypogastric nerve (L1)
Detail
- Motor
- Internal oblique and transversus abdominis, including the lower fibres that form the conjoint tendon
- Sensory
- Lateral cutaneous branch: posterolateral gluteal skin. Anterior cutaneous branch: suprapubic (hypogastric) skin above the superficial inguinal ring
When it goes wrong
Cut in a low gridiron appendicectomy incision, a Pfannenstiel incision or anterior iliac crest bone harvest
Numb suprapubic or lateral gluteal skin; a denervated conjoint tendon weakens the posterior wall and predisposes to a direct inguinal hernia
Practise this structure
2 questions in the bank tagged Abdominal Wall.
A 71-year-old woman has coughed violently for 3 weeks. Yesterday, during a bout of coughing, she felt sudden tearing pain in the right lower abdomen and now has…
Foundations · middle twist
A 58-year-old builder has noticed a bulge in the right groin over 6 months. It appears when he coughs or lifts and disappears when he lies down. On standing, th…
Foundations · middle twist