Ilioinguinal Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The ilioinguinal nerve is a nerve of the anterior abdominal wall, pelvis, and upper thigh. It supplies motor branches to the abdominal wall and contributes to the sensory innervation of the anteromedial thigh and genitalia. 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 ilioinguinal nerve arises from the lumbar plexus within the posterior abdomen. It is formed by the anterior ramus (division) of the L1 spinal nerve. After its origin, the nerve emerges from the lateral border of the psoas major muscle. It then travels inferolaterally to enter the abdominal wall near the anterior superior iliac spine. The ilioinguinal nerve passes through the anterolateral abdominal wall and supplies motor branches to the internal oblique and transversus abdominus. It then enters the inguinal canal via the superficial inguinal ring to innervate the skin of the genitalia and anteromedial thigh. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Course of the ilioinguinal nerve. Motor Function The ilioinguinal nerve provides motor innervation to the internal oblique and transversus abdominus – muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall. Bilateral contraction of these muscles acts to compress the abdominal contents, whilst unilateral contraction ipsilaterally rotates the torso. Sensory Function The ilioinguinal nerve innervates the skin of the superior anteromedial thigh (overlying the medial aspect of the femoral triangle). It also contributes to sensation of the genitalia: Male – skin of anterior scrotum Female – skin of labia majora and mons pubis By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 3The sensory distribution of the ilioinguinal nerve. Frequent questions What is the function of the ilioinguinal nerve? The ilioinguinal nerve is responsible for providing motor innervation to the internal oblique and transversus abdominus muscles, which are involved in compressing abdominal contents and torso rotation. Additionally, it supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the anteromedial thigh and genitalia. Where does the ilioinguinal nerve originate? The ilioinguinal nerve originates from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the anterior ramus of the L1 spinal nerve. It emerges from the lateral border of the psoas major muscle in the posterior abdomen. What areas does the ilioinguinal nerve innervate? The ilioinguinal nerve innervates the skin of the superior anteromedial thigh and provides sensory innervation to the genitalia, including the anterior scrotum in males and the labia majora and mons pubis in females. How does the ilioinguinal nerve travel through the abdominal wall? After its origin, the ilioinguinal nerve travels inferolaterally and enters the abdominal wall near the anterior superior iliac spine. It passes through the anterolateral abdominal wall before entering the inguinal canal via the superficial inguinal ring. What is the clinical relevance of the ilioinguinal nerve? The ilioinguinal nerve is clinically significant as it can be involved in various conditions affecting the abdominal wall and inguinal region, leading to sensory disturbances or motor dysfunction in the muscles it innervates. Understanding its anatomy is crucial for surgical procedures in this area. Rate This Article