Which nerve is responsible for sensation to the skin of the upper anterior thigh via a branch of the genitofemoral nerve?

Which nerve is responsible for sensation to the skin of the upper anterior thigh via a branch of the genitofemoral nerve?

• A. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
• B. Genitofemoral nerve (femoral branch)
• C. Ilioinguinal nerve
• D. Femoral nerve

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the genitofemoral nerve splits into two branches, and each branch supplies a different skin area. The femoral branch travels under the inguinal ligament and proceeds into the femoral triangle, providing sensory innervation to the skin of the upper anterior thigh. So, sensation in that region via a branch of the genitofemoral nerve comes from its femoral branch. The other nerves cover different territories: the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve goes to the lateral thigh; the ilioinguinal nerve supplies skin near the root of the penis or scrotum and the upper medial thigh; the femoral nerve provides most anterior thigh sensation via its own branches and the medial leg area via the saphenous nerve, not specifically through a branch of the genitofemoral nerve.

The key idea is that the genitofemoral nerve splits into two branches, and each branch supplies a different skin area. The femoral branch travels under the inguinal ligament and proceeds into the femoral triangle, providing sensory innervation to the skin of the upper anterior thigh. So, sensation in that region via a branch of the genitofemoral nerve comes from its femoral branch.

The other nerves cover different territories: the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve goes to the lateral thigh; the ilioinguinal nerve supplies skin near the root of the penis or scrotum and the upper medial thigh; the femoral nerve provides most anterior thigh sensation via its own branches and the medial leg area via the saphenous nerve, not specifically through a branch of the genitofemoral nerve.