The correct spelling of the anatomical term "nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis" can be broken down into three parts: "nervus" (meaning nerve), "cutaneus" (meaning relating to the skin), and "femoris lateralis" (meaning of the lateral femur). The pronunciation of each part can be represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /nɛrvəs/ /kjuːˈteɪniəs/ /ˈfɛmərɪs/ /ləˈtɛrəlɪs/. This term refers to a nerve that provides sensation to the outer thigh and is used in medical contexts.
The term "nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis" refers to a peripheral nerve found in the human body. Specifically, it is a sensory nerve that innervates the lateral aspect of the thigh. The nerve arises from the lumbar plexus, which is a network of nerves originating from the spinal cord in the lower back region.
The nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis emerges from the second and third lumbar nerves, known as L2 and L3, respectively. It descends along the lateral side of the thigh, supplying sensation to the skin on this area. This nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain from the lateral thigh to the central nervous system.
The nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis is susceptible to compression or injury, which can lead to conditions such as meralgia paresthetica. This condition causes numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the outer part of the thigh due to irritation or impingement of the nerve.
Understanding the anatomical location and function of the nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis is essential for clinicians, anatomists, and researchers in various medical fields. It facilitates accurate diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the sensory innervation of the lateral thigh.
Lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, external cutaneous nerve arises from the 2d and 3d umbar nerves, passes forward beneath the iliac fascia to the anterior superior spine, and extends a short distance down the front of the thigh, supplying the skin of this region and of the outer side of the buttock.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.