MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Y.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

SECTION 3. ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF BODY FUNCTION SELF-REGULATION

FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

SPINAL NERVES

2. ANTERIOR BRANCHES

2.3. Lumbar plexus

The lumbar plexus (plexus lumbalis) is formed by the Anterior branches of the three upper lumbar Spinal Nerves, and partially by the 12th thoracic and 4th lumbar nerves. The NERVES OF THE lumbar plexus emerge from the lateral and medial margins of the psoas major Muscle, as well as from within its substance (Fig. 3.42).

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Fig. 3.42. Lumbar and sacral plexuses (on the left half of the specimen, the Muscles and part of the pelvic bones are removed/dissected); anterior view

These include:

1) iliohypogastric nerve — supplying the muscles and Skin of the abdomen;

2) ilioinguinal nerve — supplying the skin of the abdomen above the inguinal ligament, the skin of the Labia Majora, and the Scrotum;

3) genitofemoral nerve — supplying the Contents of the Inguinal Canal and the skin of the thigh below the inguinal ligament;

4) lateral femoral cutaneous nerve — supplying the skin of the corresponding region of the thigh;

5) obturator nerve — supplying the Medial Group of thigh muscles and the skin overlying them;

6) femoral nerve — the largest nerve of the lumbar plexus, which innervates the anterior muscle group of the thigh, the skin overlying them, and the skin of the Medial surface of the thigh, leg, and medial edge of the FOOT.