Transverse abdominis innervation is provided by which nerve?

Transverse abdominis innervation is provided by which nerve?

• A. Subcostal nerve
• B. Iliohypogastric nerve
• C. Ilioinguinal nerve
• D. Genitofemoral nerve

Answer: (B)

The muscle transversus abdominis is innervated by nerves that run in the abdominal wall from the lower thoracic and first lumbar roots. As the nerve fibers travel between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis, the iliohypogastric nerve provides direct motor input to these muscles, among others, and also supplies sensation to the suprapubic skin. Because of this direct motor role for the transverse abdominis, the iliohypogastric nerve is the best single answer. Other nerves listed don’t primarily serve this muscle: the genitofemoral nerve mainly targets the anterior thigh and genital area; the ilioinguinal nerve contributes to the groin region with smaller involvement of these abdominal muscles; and while the subcostal nerve (T12) can innervate the lower abdominal wall, the iliohypogastric nerve is the more characteristic motor contributor to the transverse abdominis.

The muscle transversus abdominis is innervated by nerves that run in the abdominal wall from the lower thoracic and first lumbar roots. As the nerve fibers travel between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis, the iliohypogastric nerve provides direct motor input to these muscles, among others, and also supplies sensation to the suprapubic skin. Because of this direct motor role for the transverse abdominis, the iliohypogastric nerve is the best single answer.

Other nerves listed don’t primarily serve this muscle: the genitofemoral nerve mainly targets the anterior thigh and genital area; the ilioinguinal nerve contributes to the groin region with smaller involvement of these abdominal muscles; and while the subcostal nerve (T12) can innervate the lower abdominal wall, the iliohypogastric nerve is the more characteristic motor contributor to the transverse abdominis.