The flexor hallucis longus is innervated by which nerve?

The flexor hallucis longus is innervated by which nerve?

• A. Femoral nerve
• B. Obturator nerve
• C. Common fibular nerve
• D. Tibial nerve

Answer: (D)

The nerve supply to the flexor hallucis longus comes from the tibial nerve. This muscle sits in the deep posterior compartment of the leg, and the tibial nerve provides motor innervation to the deep posterior group as well as to most intrinsic foot muscles. The tibial nerve travels with the posterior tibial vessels and, after crossing the medial malleolus, continues into the sole to give plantar nerves. In contrast, the femoral nerve serves the anterior thigh, the obturator nerve the medial thigh, and the common fibular (peroneal) nerve supplies the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg (and part of the hamstring region). Hence, the tibial nerve is the correct innervation for the flexor hallucis longus.

The nerve supply to the flexor hallucis longus comes from the tibial nerve. This muscle sits in the deep posterior compartment of the leg, and the tibial nerve provides motor innervation to the deep posterior group as well as to most intrinsic foot muscles. The tibial nerve travels with the posterior tibial vessels and, after crossing the medial malleolus, continues into the sole to give plantar nerves. In contrast, the femoral nerve serves the anterior thigh, the obturator nerve the medial thigh, and the common fibular (peroneal) nerve supplies the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg (and part of the hamstring region). Hence, the tibial nerve is the correct innervation for the flexor hallucis longus.