What is the spinal level for the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?

What is the spinal level for the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?

• A. L2
• B. L2, L3
• C. L1
• D. L3, L4

Answer: (B)

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve comes from the lumbar plexus, mainly from the ventral rami of L2 and L3 (with possible small input from L1). It travels to the outer thigh to provide sensation to the lateral, anterior, and over-the-hip region. Because its primary roots are L2 and L3, the spinal level is best described as L2–L3. A-only L2 would miss the L3 contribution, and L4 isn’t typically involved in forming this nerve. Some references note a minor L1 contribution, but the standard and most accurate level is L2–L3.

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve comes from the lumbar plexus, mainly from the ventral rami of L2 and L3 (with possible small input from L1). It travels to the outer thigh to provide sensation to the lateral, anterior, and over-the-hip region. Because its primary roots are L2 and L3, the spinal level is best described as L2–L3. A-only L2 would miss the L3 contribution, and L4 isn’t typically involved in forming this nerve. Some references note a minor L1 contribution, but the standard and most accurate level is L2–L3.