Femoral Nerve Overview
The femoral nerve is the primary nerve of the anterior thigh. It originates from the dorsal divisions of the ventral rami of spinal nerves L2, L3, and L4. After passing beneath the inguinal ligament, it divides into anterior and posterior divisions to supply motor functions to hip flexors and knee extensors, and sensory functions to the skin of the anteromedial thigh, leg, and foot.
Interactive Nerve Pathway
Femoral Nerve (L2, L3, L4)
Nerve to Pectineus
Nerve to Iliacus
Anterior Division
Medial Cutaneous N.
Intermediate Cutaneous N.
Nerve to Sartorius
Posterior Division
Nerves to Quadriceps Femoris
Saphenous N.
Articular Branches
Nerve to Pectineus
Branch of the Main Trunk
💪 Motor Function
Innervates the Pectineus muscle, which helps to flex and adduct the thigh at the hip joint.
Nerve to Iliacus
Branch of the Main Trunk
💪 Motor Function
Innervates the Iliacus muscle, a primary flexor of the thigh at the hip joint.
Medial Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh
Branch of the Anterior Division
🤏 Sensory Function
Provides sensation to the skin on the medial aspect of the thigh.
Intermediate Cutaneous Nerve
Branch of the Anterior Division
🤏 Sensory Function
Provides sensation to the skin on the anterior aspect of the thigh.
Nerve to Sartorius
Branch of the Anterior Division
💪 Motor Function
Innervates the Sartorius muscle, which flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates the thigh, and flexes the leg.
Nerves to Quadriceps Femoris
Branch of the Posterior Division
💪 Motor Function
Innervates the four heads of the quadriceps femoris group, the primary extensors of the knee:
- Rectus femoris (also flexes hip)
- Vastus medialis
- Vastus lateralis
- Vastus intermedius
Saphenous Nerve
Branch of the Posterior Division
🤏 Sensory Function
This is the terminal and largest cutaneous branch. It provides sensation to the skin and fascia on the anteromedial aspect of the knee, leg, and foot.
Articular Branches
Branch of the Posterior Division
🤏 Sensory Function
Provides sensory innervation to the hip and knee joints, contributing to proprioception and pain sensation.
