Cremasteric reflex

Area A (in orange) represents the area of sensory fibers controlled by the genitofemoral nerve; area B (in green) represents that controlled by the ilioinguinal nerve; arrow C (in red with blue outline) shows the direction and location where the skin must be stroked to elicit this reflex.

The cremasteric reflex is a superficial (i.e., close to the skin's surface) reflex observed in human males.

This reflex is elicited by lightly stroking or poking the superior and medial (inner) part of the thigh - regardless of the direction of stroke. The normal response is an immediate contraction of the cremaster muscle that pulls up the testis on the same side of the body.

More specifically, the reflex utilizes sensory and motor fibers of the genitofemoral nerve, formed by fibers from both the L1 and L2 spinal nerves. When the inner thigh is stroked, sensory fibers of the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve and the ilioinguinal nerve are stimulated. These synapse in the spinal cord and activate the motor fibers of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve which causes the cremaster muscle to contract and elevate the testis.

In boys, this reflex may be exaggerated which can occasionally lead to a misdiagnosis of cryptorchidism.

The cremasteric reflex may be absent with testicular torsion, upper and lower motor neuron disorders, as well as a spine injury of L1-L2. It can also occur if the ilioinguinal nerve has accidentally been cut during a hernia repair.

The cremasteric reflex can be helpful in recognizing testicular emergencies. The presence of the cremasteric reflex does not eliminate testicular torsion from a differential diagnosis, but it does broaden the possibilities to include epididymitis or other causes of scrotal and testicular pain. In any event, if testicular torsion cannot be definitively eliminated in an expeditious manner, a testicular Doppler ultrasound or exploratory surgical intervention is usually implemented to prevent possible loss of the testicle to necrosis.