Femoral branch of genitofemoral nerve

The femoral branch of genitofemoral nerve is a sensory branch that originates from the genitofemoral nerve, itself derived from the anterior rami of spinal nerves L1 and L2. This branch descends alongside the lateral side of the external iliac artery, travels beneath the inguinal ligament, and enters the femoral sheath on its lateral side, adjacent to the femoral artery. It then pierces the anterior layer of the femoral sheath and the fascia lata to provide sensory innervation to the skin of the upper anterior thigh, specifically in the area of the femoral triangle.

Fiber Types and Neural Pathways

Functionally, the femoral branch is composed of somatic afferent (sensory) neurons. These neurons carry sensory information from the skin of the upper anterior thigh back through the femoral branch to the genitofemoral nerve and ultimately to the spinal segments L1 and L2 via their dorsal roots and dorsal gray horns.