Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which muscles does the femoral nerve supply for motor function?
Which muscles does the femoral nerve supply for motor function?
What happens if the femoral nerve is injured?
What happens if the femoral nerve is injured?
At what point does the femoral nerve split into its terminal branches?
At what point does the femoral nerve split into its terminal branches?
Where does the femoral nerve enter the thigh?
Where does the femoral nerve enter the thigh?
Signup and view all the answers
Which nerve provides skin sensation over the anterior and medial sides of the thigh down to the big toe?
Which nerve provides skin sensation over the anterior and medial sides of the thigh down to the big toe?
Signup and view all the answers
The femoral nerve enters the thigh from behind the inguinal ligament at a point midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis.
The femoral nerve enters the thigh from behind the inguinal ligament at a point midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis.
Signup and view all the answers
The femoral nerve splits into its terminal branches approximately $5$ cm below the inguinal ligament.
The femoral nerve splits into its terminal branches approximately $5$ cm below the inguinal ligament.
Signup and view all the answers
The femoral nerve is formed by the posterior divisions of spinal nerves L1, L2, and L3.
The femoral nerve is formed by the posterior divisions of spinal nerves L1, L2, and L3.
Signup and view all the answers
A complete division of the femoral nerve is a common occurrence in stab or gunshot wounds.
A complete division of the femoral nerve is a common occurrence in stab or gunshot wounds.
Signup and view all the answers
The femoral nerve supplies motor innervation to the $\text{quadriceps femoris}$ muscle, which is responsible for knee flexion.
The femoral nerve supplies motor innervation to the $\text{quadriceps femoris}$ muscle, which is responsible for knee flexion.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Formation and Course
- The femoral nerve is formed by the posterior division of L2, 3, and 4.
- It enters the thigh from behind the inguinal ligament, midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic tubercle.
- The nerve lies about a finger breadth lateral to the femoral pulse.
Branches and Innervation
- About 2 inches (5 cm) below the inguinal ligament, the femoral nerve splits into its terminal branches.
- Motor supply: hip flexors (iliopsoas, pectineus, sartorius) and knee extensor (quadriceps femoris muscle).
- Sensory supply: skin sensation is lost over the anterior and medial sides of the thigh, medial side of the lower part of the leg, and along the medial border of the foot as far as the ball of the big toe (via the saphenous nerve).
Clinical Correlation
- The femoral nerve can be injured in stab or gunshot wounds, but a complete division of the nerve is rare.
- Injury results in paralysis of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the formation and course of the femoral nerve, as well as its potential causes of injury. It also includes information on the motor supply provided by the femoral nerve.
