nimmepõimik

Nimmepõimik, also known as the lumbar plexus, is a network of nerves in the lower back that is formed by the anterior rami of the upper lumbar nerves, specifically L1 through L4. These nerves emerge from the spinal cord and then branch and interconnect to form the plexus. The primary function of the nimmepõimik is to innervate the muscles and skin of the anterior and medial thigh, as well as the anterior abdominal wall.

Key nerves originating from the nimmepõimik include the femoral nerve, the obturator nerve, and the ilioinguinal nerve. The femoral nerve is the largest nerve of the plexus and innervates muscles in the anterior thigh responsible for extending the knee and flexing the hip. The obturator nerve supplies muscles in the medial thigh that are involved in adduction of the leg. The ilioinguinal nerve provides sensory innervation to the anterior thigh and scrotum or labia.

The nimmepõimik is located within the posterior abdominal wall, posterior to the psoas major muscle. Damage to the nimmepõimik can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on which nerves are affected. These can include weakness or paralysis of the leg muscles, sensory loss in the thigh, and pain. Conditions such as trauma, tumors, or inflammation can lead to injury of the nimmepõimik. Understanding the anatomy and function of the nimmepõimik is crucial for diagnosing and treating neurological conditions affecting the lower body.