The remaining part of the iliohypogastric nerve (the anterior cutaneous branch) continues in an anterior direction, piercing the internal oblique just medial to the anterior superior iliac spine as it continues in an obliquely downward and medial direction. Becoming cutaneous, just above the superficial inguinal ring, after piercing the aponeurosis of the external oblique, it distributes to the skin in the pubic region (Fig. 4.175). Throughout its course, it also supplies branches to the abdominal musculature.