What is the spinal level for the genitofemoral nerve?

What is the spinal level for the genitofemoral nerve?

• A. L1
• B. L2
• C. L1, L2
• D. L1, L2, L3

Answer: (C)

The genitofemoral nerve comes from the lumbar plexus with contributions from the ventral rami of the first two spinal nerves. Specifically, fibers from L1 and L2 form this nerve, which then travels along the anterior surface of the psoas major and divides into its genital and femoral branches. Because its root contributions are L1 and L2, the correct spinal level is a combination of those two levels, not just one of them and not extending to L3. This is why the option listing L1 and L2 is the best choice.

The genitofemoral nerve comes from the lumbar plexus with contributions from the ventral rami of the first two spinal nerves. Specifically, fibers from L1 and L2 form this nerve, which then travels along the anterior surface of the psoas major and divides into its genital and femoral branches. Because its root contributions are L1 and L2, the correct spinal level is a combination of those two levels, not just one of them and not extending to L3. This is why the option listing L1 and L2 is the best choice.