After herniotomy loss of sensation of the scrotum,root of penis is due to injury of –
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of the innervation of the scrotum and root of the penis. The correct answer requires an understanding of the anatomy of the genitalia and the nerves that supply it.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The scrotum and root of the penis receive innervation from the ilioinguinal nerve (L1) and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve (L1-L2). The ilioinguinal nerve provides sensory innervation to the scrotum, while the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve supplies the root of the penis. Injury to these nerves during herniotomy can result in loss of sensation to these areas.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the pudendal nerve (S2-S4) primarily provides motor innervation to the external anal sphincter, not sensory innervation to the scrotum and root of the penis.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the femoral nerve (L2-L4) provides motor innervation to the muscles of the anterior thigh, not sensory innervation to the scrotum and root of the penis.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the obturator nerve (L2-L4) provides motor innervation to the adductor muscles of the thigh, not sensory innervation to the scrotum and root of the penis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The ilioinguinal nerve and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve are at risk during herniotomy procedures, and injury to these nerves can result in significant sensory deficits.
**Correct Answer:** C. Ilioinguinal nerve and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve