Following an open inguinal hernia repair, a patient reports numbness on the anteromedial aspect of the upper thigh and scrotum. Which nerve, running on the surface of the spermatic cord within the canal, was injured?
- A Ilioinguinal nerve ✓
- B Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve
- C Iliohypogastric nerve
- D Pudendal nerve
Correct answer: A. Ilioinguinal nerve
Explanation
The ilioinguinal nerve enters the inguinal canal beneath the internal oblique, runs on the anterior surface of the cord alongside the spermatic cord, and emerges through the superficial ring to supply the upper medial thigh, root of penis or mons pubis, and anterior scrotum or labium majus. The genital branch of genitofemoral travels within the cord itself and supplies cremaster, not this skin territory.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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