Answer to The Blue Jewels Caper

Correct answer is B. Two somatic nerves are found in this area, the ilioinguinal nerve and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve. The latter was not an option. The iliohypogastric runs above the superficial inguinal region and is not part of the spermatic cord. In general, testicular pain is a common cause of discomfort in men. The pain may be acute with a sudden onset and discontinue after several weeks or months. It may also be chronic and resistant to treatment. Pain due to trauma, e.g., a kick to the groin region (scrotal sac), is usually felt both within the scrotum and as well at the solar plexus, the term for the lower abdomen. The latter is due to referred pain. Recall that the testes developed in the abdomen and carried their innervation with them. This is due to shared nerves and tissues between the abdomen and the scrotum.

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Answer to this question is based on material presented in lectures 2 of the Abdomen Lecture Series.