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What Nerves Are in the Abdomen?

Published in Abdominal Nerves 2 mins read

The major nerves located in the anterolateral abdominal wall include the thoracoabdominal, lateral cutaneous, subcostal, iliohypogastric, and ilioinguinal nerves.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Thoracoabdominal Nerves: These nerves are derived from the T7-T11 spinal nerves. After passing below the ribs (becoming the inferior intercostal nerves), they run along the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles, providing motor and sensory innervation to the abdominal wall.

  • Lateral Cutaneous Nerve: Branches off of the thoracoabdominal nerves to provide sensory innervation to the lateral abdominal skin.

  • Subcostal Nerve: This nerve originates from T12 and runs inferior to the twelfth rib, also contributing to the innervation of the abdominal wall muscles and skin.

  • Iliohypogastric Nerve: Originating from the L1 spinal nerve, it runs along the iliac crest and provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lower abdomen and the suprapubic region. It also provides motor innervation to the abdominal muscles.

  • Ilioinguinal Nerve: Also originating from the L1 spinal nerve, the ilioinguinal nerve follows a similar path to the iliohypogastric nerve but passes through the inguinal canal. It provides sensory innervation to the skin of the upper medial thigh, the anterior scrotum (in males), or the labia majora (in females).

In summary, these nerves work together to provide both motor control of the abdominal muscles and sensory feedback from the abdominal wall skin.