Which nerve provides cutaneous sensation to the skin over the upper anterior thigh via its femoral branch?

Which nerve provides cutaneous sensation to the skin over the upper anterior thigh via its femoral branch?

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

Answer: (A)

The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve provides cutaneous sensation to the upper anterior thigh. The genitofemoral nerve arises from L1–L2 and splits into a genital branch and a femoral branch. The femoral branch runs under the inguinal ligament and supplies sensation to the skin of the upper anterior thigh, around the femoral triangle region. This specific distribution matches the area described in the question. Alternatives touch other regions: iliohypogastric supplies skin of the lower abdominal wall, lateral femoral cutaneous supplies the lateral thigh, and obturator supplies the medial thigh, while the femoral nerve proper handles much of the anterior thigh sensation but not via this particular femoral branch.

The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve provides cutaneous sensation to the upper anterior thigh. The genitofemoral nerve arises from L1–L2 and splits into a genital branch and a femoral branch. The femoral branch runs under the inguinal ligament and supplies sensation to the skin of the upper anterior thigh, around the femoral triangle region. This specific distribution matches the area described in the question.

Alternatives touch other regions: iliohypogastric supplies skin of the lower abdominal wall, lateral femoral cutaneous supplies the lateral thigh, and obturator supplies the medial thigh, while the femoral nerve proper handles much of the anterior thigh sensation but not via this particular femoral branch.