Which nerve has spinal levels L2, L3?

Which nerve has spinal levels L2, L3?

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

Answer: (D)

Spinal levels tell you which nerve roots contribute to a nerve. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is formed from the L2 and L3 contributions in the lumbar plexus, so its root levels are L2–L3. This matches the question because it’s the nerve whose primary root input is specifically L2 and L3, and it supplies sensation to the lateral thigh. In contrast, the genitofemoral is L1–L2, while the femoral and obturator nerves are L2–L4, so they don’t match the L2–L3 pattern as precisely.

Spinal levels tell you which nerve roots contribute to a nerve. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is formed from the L2 and L3 contributions in the lumbar plexus, so its root levels are L2–L3. This matches the question because it’s the nerve whose primary root input is specifically L2 and L3, and it supplies sensation to the lateral thigh. In contrast, the genitofemoral is L1–L2, while the femoral and obturator nerves are L2–L4, so they don’t match the L2–L3 pattern as precisely.