10.4 Neurovasculature of the Lower Limb

Question 1

Iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerve root(s)

Answer 1

L1

Question 2

Genitofemoral nerve roots

Answer 2

L1, L2 (Of course there are two…)

Question 3

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve roots

Answer 3

L2, L3 (still two on the skin, but one step after the genitofemoral)

Question 4

Femoral nerve roots

Answer 4

L2, L3, L4 (Four = Femoral; 3 roots because it’s important)

Question 5

Obturator nerve roots

Answer 5

L2, L3, L4 (OF course the Obturator is same as Femoral)

Question 6

Superior gluteal nerve roots

Answer 6

L4, L5, S1

Question 7

Inferior gluteal nerve roots

Answer 7

L5, S1, S2

Question 8

Sciatic nerve roots

Answer 8

(Five roots, ends at S3)

L4, L5, S1, S2, S3

Question 9

Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve roots

Answer 9

S1, S2, S3

Question 10

Pudendal nerve roots

Answer 10

S2 S3 S4 (lets the piss out the door)

Question 11

In one go, describe the blood supply to the lower limb, including which arteries supply which structures

Answer 11

• Aorta
• Terminal branches are common iliac arteries (level of iliac crest; L4)
• Internal iliac: obturator anteriorly (medial thigh), sup and inf gluteal arteries posteriorly
• External iliac becomes femoral after crossing inguinal ligament
• Femoral (anterior thigh) gives off deep femoral (posterior thigh)
• Femoral passes through the adductor hiatus, creating the popliteal artery
• Becomes posterior tibial (posterior leg), gives off anterior tibial (anterior leg) and fibular (lateral leg)
• Posterior becomes medial and lateral plantar arteries
• Anterior tibial becomes dorsalis pedis

Question 12

Which nerve innervates the anterior, posterior, and medial thigh?

Answer 12

Anterior: femoral (like a.)
Medial: obturator (like a.)
Posterior: sciatic

Question 13

Which nerves innervate the posterior, lateral, and anterior leg?

Answer 13

Posterior: Tibial
Lateral: Superficial fibular
Anterior: Deep fibular