1.3.1. The Lumbar Plexus Flashcards
What is the Lumbar Plexus?
A network of Nerve Fibers, which supplies the Skin and Musculature of the Lower Limb
Which muscle is the Lumbar Plexus related to?
It is located within the Substance of the Psoas Major
Where is the Lumbar Plexus located, in relation to the Lumbar Vertebrae?
Anterior to the Transverse Process of the Lumbar Vertebrae
What forms the Lumbar Plexus?
- The Anterior Rami of the of Spinal Nerve L1
- The Anterior Rami of the of Spinal Nerve L2
- The Anterior Rami of the of Spinal Nerve L3
- The Anterior Rami of the of Spinal Nerve L4
(5. The Anterior Rami of the of Spinal Nerve T12 also contributes)
How do the Spinal Nerves leave the Spinal Cord?
Via the Intervertebral Foramina of the Vertebral Column
What happens to the Nerves, after they leave the Spinal Cord?
They divide into Anterior and Posterior Fibers (or Rami)
What happens to the Anterior Rami of L1-L4?
They intertwine (The Lumbar Plexus) and divide into several cords, which then go on to form the Major Peripheral Nerves of the Lumbar Plexus
How many Major Peripheral Nerves of the Lumbar Plexus are there?
6
Where do the 6 Peripheral Nerves of the Lower Limb travel?
These descend down the Posterior Abdominal Wall
What are the 6 Major Peripheral Nerves of the Lower Limb?
- Iliohypogastric Nerve
- Ilioinguinal Nerve
- Genitofemoral Nerve
- Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh
- Obturator Nerve
- Femoral Nerve
Where does the Iliohypogastric Nerve travel?
- It runs across the Quadratus Lumborum Muscle of the Posterior Abdominal Wall, to the Iliac Crest
- It then perforates the Transverse Abdominis
What happens to the Iliohypogastric Nerve after it perforates the Transverse Abdominis?
It divides into its Terminal Branches
What is the Segmental (or Root) Value of the Iliohypogastric Nerve?
- L1
- (Contributions from) T12
What is the motor function of the Iliohypogastric Nerve?
- Innervation of the Transverse Abdominis
- Innervation of the Internal Oblique
What is the sensory function of the Iliohypogastric Nerve?
Innervation of the Posterolateral Gluteal Skin
Is the Ilioinguinal Nerve larger than the Iliohypogastric Nerve?
No
Where does the Ilioinguinal Nerve travel?
- It runs across the Quadratus Lumborum Muscle of the Posterior Abdominal Wall, to the Iliac Crest
- It then perforates the Transverse Abdominis
- It then passes through the Superficial Inguinal Ring
What is the Segmental (or Nerve Root) Value of the Ilioinguinal Nerve?
L1
What is the motor functions of the Ilioinguinal Nerve?
- Innervation of the Transverse Abdominis
- Innervation of the Internal Oblique
What is the sensory function of the Ilioinguinal Nerve?
- Innervation of the Skin on the Upper Medial Thigh
- a) Innervation of the Skin over the Root of the Penis and Anterior Scrotum
- b) Innervation of the Skin over the Mons Pubis and Labia Majora
What happens to the Genitofemoral Nerve, after it leaves the Psoas Major?
It divides into 2 Branches
What are the 2 Branches the Genitofemoral Nerve?
- Genital Branch of the Genitofemoral Nerve
- Femoral Branch of the Genitofemoral Nerve