The genitofemoral nerve is a mixed nerve that arises from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the first and second lumbar spinal nerves (L1 and L2). It travels down the psoas major muscle and divides into two branches: the genital branch and the femoral branch. The genital branch innervates the skin of the scrotum in males and the labia majora in females, while the femoral branch supplies sensation to the upper thigh. This nerve plays a crucial role in the sensory innervation of the groin area. It is important for various functions, including the cremaster reflex in males, which helps regulate the temperature of the testes. Damage to the genitofemoral nerve can lead to sensory loss or discomfort in the regions it supplies.