Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

A nerve that provides sensation to the skin on the outer thigh.

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is a branch of the lumbar plexus, originating mainly from the L2 and L3 spinal nerves. It is classified as a sensory nerve, primarily responsible for transmitting sensory information from the skin of the lateral thigh to the brain, allowing for the perception of touch, temperature, and pain in this region.

Terminologia Anatomica

nervus femoralis lateralis

System

Nervous system

Function

The main function of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is to relay sensory signals from the lateral aspect of the thigh to the central nervous system. This allows individuals to feel sensations such as pressure and pain, which are crucial for protective reflexes and awareness of the body's position. An impairment in this nerve can lead to a condition known as meralgia paresthetica, characterized by tingling, numbness, and pain in the outer thigh due to compression of the nerve. This phenomenon underscores the importance of the nerve in maintaining proper sensory feedback to the brain.

Location

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve emerges from the lumbar plexus located in the lower back, specifically in the region of the second and third lumbar vertebrae. It travels inferiorly in the abdomen, passing just beneath the inguinal ligament in the iliac region. As it crosses into the thigh, it sends branches to the skin over a significant area of the lateral aspect of the thigh, traversing across the iliac crest and the upper part of the thigh before it bifurcates into anterior and posterior branches. Its anatomical path is crucial for its function, as it avoids major vessels yet remains in proximity to areas where sensory input is needed.

Did You Know?

Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve can occur during pregnancy due to increased weight and changes in posture.
The nerve can be affected by tight clothing or obesity, leading to the painful sensation known as meralgia paresthetica.
It does not innervate any muscles; its function is solely sensory, making it an important structure in understanding thigh-related sensations.