Which nerves innervate the skin of the abdominal wall?

The skin of the abdominal wall receives its sensory innervation primarily from the lower intercostal nerves and the ilioinguinal nerves. The posterior branches of the lower intercostal nerves (specifically T7 to T11) provide sensory fibers to the skin and abdominal muscles in their respective dermatomes. Meanwhile, the ilioinguinal nerve, which arises from the L1 spinal nerve, contributes to the innervation of the skin in the lower abdominal region, particularly around the inguinal area.

This innervation pattern is crucial for the sensation of pain, temperature, and touch in the abdominal wall. Understanding how these nerves work together helps in diagnosing and treating conditions related to abdominal pain or trauma. The other nerves listed either innervate different regions or have different functions unrelated to the sensory supply of the abdominal skin.