Functional Anatomy Week 5 - nerves

Question 1

What is a plexus

Answer 1

A branching network of vessels or nerves

Question 2

What is the course of the obturator nerve

Answer 2

Originates from L2, L3 and L4 spinal nerve roots. It goes down through the gap between the pubis and ischium (obturator foramen), through the obturator canal, and down the medial side of the thigh.

Question 3

What muscles will the obturator nerve be innervating?

Answer 3

The muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh, so predominantly the adductor group

Question 4

What is the course of the femoral nerve

Answer 4

Originates from L2, L3 and L4, and leaves the pelvis anteriorly through the femoral triangle and travels down the anterior compartment of the thigh

Question 5

What makes up the femoral triangle

Answer 5

The inguinal ligament, adductor longus muscle and the sartorius muscle

Question 6

What muscles does the femoral nerve innervate

Answer 6

The anterior compartment of the thigh - quadricep

Question 7

Course of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh

Answer 7

Originates at L2 and L3. Leaves the pelvis more laterally, underneath the inguinal ligament, descending down the lateral part of the thigh

Question 8

Course of the superior gluteal nerve

Answer 8

Originates from L4, L5 and S1, exits the pelvis through the suprapiriform foramen, and then passes through the gluteus medius and minimus muscles (both of which it innervates) before ending in the tensor fascia latae muscle.

Question 9

Course of the inferior gluteal nerve

Answer 9

Originates from L5, S1 and S2, leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen and then divides into branches to supply the gluteus maximus

Question 10

Course of the sciatic nerve

Answer 10

Originates from L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3, leaves the pelvis at the back through the greater sciatic foramen, underneath the piriformis muscle, down the posterior compartment of the thigh. It splits into the tibial and common peroneal nerve.

Question 11

What is the sciatic nerve made up of

Answer 11

The tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve. The sciatic and tibial nerve share a common sheath before splitting towards the bottom of the thigh.

Question 12

Course of the tibial nerve

Answer 12

Splits from the sciatic nerve at the bottom of the thigh, runs down the posterior compartment of the lower leg, wraps round the back of the ankle and enters the foot, splitting into a medial and lateral plantar nerve.

Question 13

Course of the common peroneal nerve

Answer 13

Splits from the sciatic nerve towards the bottom of the thigh and splits into a deep and superficial fibula nerve which run down the lower leg