The Lumbar & Sacral Plexus

Question 1

What are the minor branches of the lumbar plexus? (superior to inferior)

Answer 1

1. ileohypogastric
2. ileoinguinal
3. genitofemoral
4. lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Question 2

What are the major branches of the lumbar plexus? (superior to inferior)

Answer 2

1. obturator
2. femoral

Question 3

What minor branches do each nerve connect to on the lumbar plexus?

Answer 3

T12, L1 - ileohypogastric

L1 - ileoinguinal

L1, L2 - genitofemoral

L2, L3 - lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Question 4

What major branches do each nerve connect to on the lumbar plexus?

Answer 4

L2, L3, L4 - obturator
L3, L4, L5 - femoral

Question 5

What are the major components of the sacral plexus?

Answer 5

1. superior gluteal nerve
2. inferior gluteal nerve
3. sacral sciatic nerve
4. pundendal nerve

Question 6

What roots do each of the major nerves connect to in the sacral plexus?

Answer 6

superior gluteal nerve - L4, L5 & S1

inferior gluteal nerve - L5, S1 & S2

sacral sciatic nerve - S1, S2 & S3

pundendal nerve - S2, S3 & S4

Question 7

What major nerve in the sacral plexus is the nerve to the genitalia?

Answer 7

pundendal nerve

Question 8

What are the minor components of the sacral plexus?

Answer 8

1. obturator interns and gemellus superior
2. gemellus inferior and quadrates femoris
3. piriformis

Question 9

What roots do each of the minor nerves connect to in the sacral plexus?

Answer 9

obturator interns and gemellus superior - L4, L5, S1 & S2

gemellus inferior and quadrates femoris - L4, L5 & S1

piriformis - S1 & S2

Question 10

What does the minor components of the sacral plexus activate?

Answer 10

most of the lateral rotators (except obturator externus)