Iliohypogastric nerve

The iliohypogastric nerve is a mixed motor and sensory peripheral nerve arising from the lumbar plexus, typically from the anterior ramus of L1 (with possible contributions from T12). It provides sensory innervation to the skin of the suprapubic (hypogastric) and upper lateral gluteal regions, and motor innervation to portions of the lower abdominal wall muscles (internal oblique and transversus abdominis). It travels obliquely across the posterior abdominal wall, then passes between abdominal wall muscles before dividing into lateral and anterior cutaneous branches. Injury to the iliohypogastric nerve may result in abdominal wall weakness or localized sensory loss, and it is at risk in abdominal, pelvic, and hip surgeries.

Other names

lateral branch of lumbar plexus (L1)iliohypogastric

Not applicable for molecules; regional anesthesia involves blockade of action potentials in nerve fibers (sodium channel inhibition when using local anesthetics)