Nerve
Iliohypogastric nerve
L1 pathway to the suprapubic wall and lateral buttock
High-yield
Its anterior skin territory is above the pubis; its lateral territory lies over the upper lateral buttock. These territories help distinguish it from ilioinguinal.
Overview
Iliohypogastric travels from the lumbar plexus across quadratus lumborum toward the lower abdominal wall. It enters the interval between transversus abdominis and internal oblique, supplying muscle and dividing into anterior and lateral cutaneous branches.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually an L1 anterior-ramus branch, sometimes receiving T12 fibers.
- Root value
- Predominantly L1, with a variable T12 contribution.
- Course
- Crosses quadratus lumborum, penetrates transversus near the iliac crest and continues between the two deeper lateral abdominal muscles.
- Motor
- Contributes motor fibers to internal oblique and transversus abdominis.
- Sensory
- Provides cutaneous sensation above the pubis and over the superolateral gluteal region.
Clinical correlation
Lower abdominal incisions or scar tissue can injure or entrap the nerve. Persistent suprapubic sensory change or neuropathic pain may therefore arise from the abdominal wall itself.
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the iliohypogastric nerve?
Predominantly L1, with a variable T12 contribution.
What muscles does the iliohypogastric nerve supply?
The iliohypogastric nerve supplies the contributes motor fibers to internal oblique and transversus abdominis.
What is the sensory distribution of the iliohypogastric nerve?
The iliohypogastric nerve carries sensation from the provides cutaneous sensation above the pubis and over the superolateral gluteal region.
What is the course of the iliohypogastric nerve?
Crosses quadratus lumborum, penetrates transversus near the iliac crest and continues between the two deeper lateral abdominal muscles.