Which nerve has spinal levels L2, L3 and provides sensation to the lateral thigh?

Which nerve has spinal levels L2, L3 and provides sensation to the lateral thigh?

• A. Femoral nerve
• B. Genitofemoral nerve
• C. Obturator nerve
• D. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Answer: (D)

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is the one that carries sensation from the skin of the lateral thigh and arises from the L2–L3 you’re given. It forms from the lumbar plexus, travels under the inguinal ligament near the anterior superior iliac spine, and then supplies the lateral aspect of the thigh. That exact skin region corresponds to its sensory territory and its root levels, making it the best match for this question. Other nerves in the area have different territories and roots: the femoral nerve (L2–L4) mainly supplies the anterior thigh and part of the medial leg; the obturator nerve (L2–L4) supplies the medial thigh; the genitofemoral nerve (L1–L2) serves the genital region and part of the anterior thigh.

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is the one that carries sensation from the skin of the lateral thigh and arises from the L2–L3 you’re given. It forms from the lumbar plexus, travels under the inguinal ligament near the anterior superior iliac spine, and then supplies the lateral aspect of the thigh. That exact skin region corresponds to its sensory territory and its root levels, making it the best match for this question.

Other nerves in the area have different territories and roots: the femoral nerve (L2–L4) mainly supplies the anterior thigh and part of the medial leg; the obturator nerve (L2–L4) supplies the medial thigh; the genitofemoral nerve (L1–L2) serves the genital region and part of the anterior thigh.