Anatomical significance of the nerve to the pyramidalis muscle: a morphological study

Characteristics of the nerve to the pyramidalis muscle (NPy), including its origin, course and distribution, were observed (macroscopically) in detail in the present study. The spinal segments that give rise to the nerve vary considerably and involve Th12-L2. The course and distribution of the nerve also vary widely. The NPy is given off from one of the following: (i) the anterior cutaneus branch (Rca) of the intercostals nerve; (ii) the ilioinguinal (li) nerve; or (iii) the genital branch (Rg) of the genitofemoral nerve. The NPy can be classified into nine types according to features of the course and branching pattern of the Rca and li. In three of 67 cases, the pyramidalis muscle had two nerves. Double-innervated pyramidalis muscles received one nerve from a transitional-type Rca (Rcat) and a second nerve derived from one of the superficial Rca (Rcas), li or Rg. The NPy derived from the deep Rca (Rcap; Type 1), Rcat (Type 2) and containing their features as well as the Type 9 (Rcat + li + Rg) reach the muscle from behind. Types 3-8 (not containing features of the Rcap and Rcat) enter the muscle from its surface. The branch that gives off the NPy is determined by the level of segmental origin, with the segmental origin of branches from the Rca (Types 1-4), li (Types 5-6) and Rg (Types 7-9) getting lower in that order. The level of segmental origin of the NPy derived from different Rca becomes lower in the following order: Rcap (Type 1), Rcat (Type 2), Rcas (Type 3), Rcas' (Rcas entering the inguinal canal; Type 4). When the origin of the NPy is from a lower segment, the origin of the boundary nerve (Rcap/Rcas) is also deviated downward. The changes in the NPy are related to the deviation of the entire lumbar plexus.