The cremasteric reflex is mediated by which branch of the genitofemoral nerve and what spinal levels are implicated?

The cremasteric reflex is mediated by which branch of the genitofemoral nerve and what spinal levels are implicated?

• A. Ilioinguinal nerve; L1–L2
• B. Genitofemoral nerve; L2–L3
• C. Femoral nerve; L1–L2
• D. Genitofemoral nerve (genital branch); L1–L2

Answer: (D)

The cremasteric reflex uses the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve for the motor (efferent) portion to the cremaster muscle. This branch comes from the L1–L2 spinal levels, so the reflex implicates L1–L2. The ilioinguinal nerve provides the afferent input from the inner thigh, but the question specifically asks for the genitofemoral branch and segments, which is the genital branch with L1–L2.

The cremasteric reflex uses the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve for the motor (efferent) portion to the cremaster muscle. This branch comes from the L1–L2 spinal levels, so the reflex implicates L1–L2. The ilioinguinal nerve provides the afferent input from the inner thigh, but the question specifically asks for the genitofemoral branch and segments, which is the genital branch with L1–L2.