LOC101928203
Lumbar Sacral Plexus (L101928203): Comprehensive Guide
Description
The lumbar sacral plexus is a network of nerves that originate from the lower spinal cord and extend to the buttocks, legs, and feet. It is formed by the convergence of the ventral rami (anterior branches) of the lumbar and sacral spinal nerves.
The lumbar sacral plexus innervates various muscles, skin, and organs in the lower body. It comprises six main nerve branches:
- Obturator nerve: Innervates muscles in the anterior and medial thigh (adductor muscles).
- Femoral nerve: Innervates the anterior thigh muscles (quadriceps femoris).
- Sciatic nerve: Extends to the back of the thigh, leg, and foot (innervates hamstrings, calf muscles, and foot muscles).
- Superior gluteal nerve: Innervates the hip muscles (gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae).
- Inferior gluteal nerve: Innervates the hip muscles (gluteus maximus).
- Pudendal nerve: Innervates muscles and structures around the perineum (e.g., external anal sphincter, clitoris in females).
Associated Diseases
Dysfunction of the lumbar sacral plexus can lead to various neurological disorders, including:
- Lumbar Herniated Disc: A common condition where a spinal disc protrudes and compresses the nerves of the lumbar sacral plexus.
- Pi梨formis Syndrome: A nerve entrapment disorder in which the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve.
- Meralgia Paresthetica: A condition characterized by numbness and tingling in the outer thigh due to compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (a branch of the lumbar sacral plexus).
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A rare but serious condition resulting from compression of the lower-level spinal cord (below the conus medullaris) and the lumbar sacral plexus.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 30% of individuals experience low back pain that radiates into the leg, which is often a sign of involvement of the lumbar sacral plexus.
