The ilioinguinal nerve emerges from L1 and travels through which structure? It supplies which areas?

The ilioinguinal nerve emerges from L1 and travels through which structure? It supplies which areas?

• A. Through the femoral canal
• B. Inguinal canal; skin to root of penis/clitoris, scrotum/labia majora, and upper medial thigh
• C. Through the greater sciatic foramen
• D. Obturator canal

Answer: (B)

The ilioinguinal nerve is a branch of L1 that travels through the abdominal wall and enters the inguinal canal, then exits via the superficial inguinal ring to provide sensation to the skin of the root of the penis or clitoris, the anterior scrotum or labia majora, and the upper medial thigh. It does not pass through the femoral canal, greater sciatic foramen, or obturator canal. This route through the inguinal canal explains both its anatomical course and its sensory distribution.

The ilioinguinal nerve is a branch of L1 that travels through the abdominal wall and enters the inguinal canal, then exits via the superficial inguinal ring to provide sensation to the skin of the root of the penis or clitoris, the anterior scrotum or labia majora, and the upper medial thigh. It does not pass through the femoral canal, greater sciatic foramen, or obturator canal. This route through the inguinal canal explains both its anatomical course and its sensory distribution.