AnatomyDeck

Nerve

Femoral nerve

Anterior thigh nerve

Lower limbNervous system

High-yield

Enters the thigh lateral to the femoral artery (NAVEL); injury → weak knee extension and lost patellar reflex.

Overview

The largest branch of the lumbar plexus, supplying the hip flexors and knee extensors and the skin of the anterior thigh, continuing as the saphenous nerve.

Reference facts

  • Roots

    L2, L3, L4 (posterior divisions of the lumbar plexus)

  • Course

    Emerges lateral to psoas major, passes deep to the inguinal ligament lateral to the femoral artery, and divides in the femoral triangle

  • Motor

    Iliacus, pectineus, sartorius, and quadriceps femoris

  • Sensory

    Anterior thigh (anterior femoral cutaneous) and medial leg/foot (saphenous nerve)

Clinical correlation

Femoral nerve injury abolishes the knee-jerk reflex and weakens knee extension.

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