The relationship between the ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerves to the abdominal muscles varies relative to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

The iliohypogastric nerve originates from the first lumbar nerve root, with or without a contribution from the 12th thoracic nerve root. The nerve travels around the flank and then anteriorly. At the level of the iliac crest, the nerve passes through the transversus abdominis muscle. It divides into a lateral and anterior branch.

Question: What does the lateral branch supply?

Answer: The skin of the lateral gluteus.

Question: What does the anterior branch supply?

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The relationship between the ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerves to the abdominal muscles varies relative to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

The iliohypogastric nerve originates from the first lumbar nerve root, with or without a contribution from the 12th thoracic nerve root. The nerve travels around the flank and then anteriorly. At the level of the iliac crest, the nerve passes through the transversus abdominis muscle. It divides into a lateral and anterior branch.

Question: What does the lateral branch supply?

Answer: The skin of the lateral gluteus.

Question: What does the anterior branch supply?

Answer: From the iliac crest it continues between the transversus abdominis and the internal oblique muscles to supply the hypogastrium.