Anterior cutaneous branch of iliohypogastric nerve

Ramus cutaneus anterior nervi iliohypogastrici

  • Related terms: Anterior cutaneous branch; Iliohypogastric nerve; Iliopubic nerve: Anterior cutaneous branch

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The anterior cutaneous branch of iliohypogastric nerve is a terminal branch of iliohypogastric nerve, that courses anteriorly and medially within the abdominal wall, remaining between the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles. Along its path, it provides motor innervation to both the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles. As it approaches the anterior superior iliac spine, just medial to this bony landmark, the branch pierces the internal oblique muscle and the external oblique aponeurosis to emerge as a cutaneous nerve. Finally, it delivers sensory innervation to the skin over the lower abdominal wall, specifically in the hypogastric or pubic region.

References

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W., and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2010). ‘Chapter 4: Abdomen’, in Gray’s anatomy for students. (2nd ed.) Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Philadelphia PA 19103, pp.378-379.

  • Apaydin, N. and Bozkurt, M. (2015) ‘Chapter 10 - Surgical Exposures for Nerves of the Lower Limb’, in Tubbs, R.S., Rizk, E., Shoja, M.M., Loukas, M., Barbaro, N., and Spinner, R.J. (eds.) Nerves and Nerve Injuries. Academic Press, pp. 139–153.

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