Genitofemoral Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The genitofemoral nerve is a mixed peripheral nerve of the lower limb. It contributes to the sensation of the thigh and genitalia, and innervates the cremaster muscle in males. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The genitofemoral nerve arises from the lumbar plexus, containing fibres from spinal roots L1 and L2. It travels inferiorly along the posterior abdominal wall, over the anterior surface of the psoas major muscle. As the nerve reaches the inguinal ligament, it divides into two terminal branches: Genital branch Males – passes through the inguinal canal to reach the scrotum in males, where it supplies the cremaster muscle and sensation to the lateral aspect of the scrotum. Females – passes through the inguinal canal and supplies sensation to the mons pubis, labia majora and adjacent thigh. Femoral branch Passes underneath the inguinal ligament to reach the thigh, where it supplies cutaneous branches to the skin overlying the femoral triangle. Adobe Stock, Licensed to TeachMeSeries Ltd Fig 1Course of the genitofemoral nerve Sensory Functions The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve supplies cutaneous innervation to the skin overlying the femoral triangle. In males the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve innervates the lateral scrotal skin. In females, it innervates the mons pubis, labia majora and adjacent thigh. Motor Functions The genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve innervates the cremaster muscle of the spermatic cord. It is responsible for efferent limb of the cremasteric reflex – contraction of cremaster muscle and resulting elevation of testis upon sensory stimulation of the ilioinguinal nerve. Frequent questions What is the function of the genitofemoral nerve? The genitofemoral nerve is a mixed peripheral nerve that provides sensory innervation to the thigh and genitalia, as well as motor innervation to the cremaster muscle in males. It plays a crucial role in the cremasteric reflex, which elevates the testis in response to sensory stimulation. What are the branches of the genitofemoral nerve? The genitofemoral nerve divides into two main branches: the genital branch and the femoral branch. The genital branch innervates the cremaster muscle and provides sensation to the scrotum in males and the mons pubis and labia majora in females, while the femoral branch supplies sensory innervation to the skin over the femoral triangle. Where does the genitofemoral nerve originate? The genitofemoral nerve arises from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the spinal roots L1 and L2. It descends along the posterior abdominal wall, passing over the psoas major muscle before reaching the inguinal ligament. How does the genitofemoral nerve contribute to the cremasteric reflex? The genitofemoral nerve's genital branch innervates the cremaster muscle, which is responsible for the contraction and elevation of the testis during the cremasteric reflex. This reflex is triggered by sensory input from the ilioinguinal nerve. What areas does the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve supply? The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve supplies cutaneous innervation to the skin overlying the femoral triangle. This includes sensory function for the skin in that region, contributing to the overall sensory perception of the thigh. Rate This Article