Which structure is innervated by the tibial nerve?

Which structure is innervated by the tibial nerve?

• A. Lateral head of gastrocnemius
• B. Biceps femoris short head
• C. Tensor fasciae latae
• D. Vastus lateralis

Answer: (A)

Nerve supply in the lower leg: the tibial nerve runs in the posterior compartment and supplies muscles responsible for plantar flexion, including gastrocnemius. The lateral head of the gastrocnemius is innervated by the tibial nerve, whereas the short head of the biceps femoris is innervated by the common fibular nerve, tensor fasciae latae by the superior gluteal nerve, and vastus lateralis by the femoral nerve. So the structure that the tibial nerve innervates here is the lateral head of the gastrocnemius.

Nerve supply in the lower leg: the tibial nerve runs in the posterior compartment and supplies muscles responsible for plantar flexion, including gastrocnemius. The lateral head of the gastrocnemius is innervated by the tibial nerve, whereas the short head of the biceps femoris is innervated by the common fibular nerve, tensor fasciae latae by the superior gluteal nerve, and vastus lateralis by the femoral nerve. So the structure that the tibial nerve innervates here is the lateral head of the gastrocnemius.