On an axial T2-weighted MRI at the level of L3 vertebral body, the structure appearing as a high-signal oval on the anterolateral surface of the psoas major is:

• A Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
• B Femoral nerve
• C Genitofemoral nerve ✓
• D Ilioinguinal nerve

Explanation

The genitofemoral nerve (L1–L2) emerges from the anterior surface of psoas major at approximately L3–L4, lying on its anterior face before dividing into genital and femoral branches. It is the nerve seen on the anterior surface of psoas on cross-sectional imaging at this level. The femoral nerve lies within psoas (formed by L2–L4) and emerges at the lower psoas border. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve emerges lateral to psoas.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.