The Lumbar Plexus PDF
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Uploaded by EthicalPegasus
University of Northampton
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Summary
This document provides an overview of the lumbar plexus, a network of nerves in the lower back. It details the structure and function of this plexuses major branches, including the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, femoral, and obturator nerves. This document's intended audience likely encompasses medical students, or anyone studying human anatomy.
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The Lumbar Plexus What is the Lumber plexus? Part of the larger lumbosacral plexus One of the main nervous pathways supplying the lower limb Formed from the upper 4 l...
The Lumbar Plexus What is the Lumber plexus? Part of the larger lumbosacral plexus One of the main nervous pathways supplying the lower limb Formed from the upper 4 lumbar nerves Gives off 6 major branches 6 major branches of the Lumbar plexus Iliohypogastric (yellow) L1 Ilioinguinal (yellow) L1 Genitofemoral (red) L1 L2 Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (green) L2 L3 Femoral (purple) L2 L3 L4 Obturator (blue) L2 L3 L4 First 3 nerves – ignore? Iliohypogastric & Ilioinguinal mainly supply the muscles and skin of the abdominal wall Genitofemoral mainly supply the genitals Iliohypogastric does have a cutaneous branch over the buttock Ilioinguinal does have a cutaneous branch over the upper medial thigh Genitofemoral does have a cutaneous branch over anterior surface of thigh Important 3 nerves – No. 1 Femoral Nerve Root value L2 L3 L4 Largest branch of the Lumbar plexus Enters the thigh behind the inguinal ligament Main nerve of the anterior compartment of the thigh Important 3 nerves – No.2 Obturator Nerve Root value L2 L3 L4 Passes through the obturator foramen into the thigh Main nerve of the medial (adductor) compartment of the thigh Important 3 nerves – No.3 Lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh Root value L2 L3 Enters the thigh under the lateral end of the inguinal ligament Supplies skin of anterior and lateral surfaces of thigh
