Nerve
Obturator nerve
Medial thigh nerve
High-yield
L2-L4 anterior divisions; supplies the thigh adductors. Injury → weak adduction and unsteady, wide gait.
Overview
A branch of the lumbar plexus that passes through the obturator canal to supply the adductor (medial) thigh compartment.
Reference facts
- Roots
- L2, L3, L4 (anterior divisions of the lumbar plexus)
- Course
- Descends through psoas major, crosses the pelvic brim, and enters the medial thigh through the obturator canal, dividing into anterior and posterior branches
- Motor
- Adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus (adductor part), gracilis, obturator externus, and pectineus (variable)
- Sensory
- Skin of the medial thigh
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the obturator nerve?
The obturator nerve arises from L2, L3, L4 (anterior divisions of the lumbar plexus).
What muscles does the obturator nerve supply?
The obturator nerve supplies the adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus (adductor part), gracilis, obturator externus, and pectineus (variable).
What is the sensory distribution of the obturator nerve?
The obturator nerve carries sensation from the skin of the medial thigh.
What is the course of the obturator nerve?
Descends through psoas major, crosses the pelvic brim, and enters the medial thigh through the obturator canal, dividing into anterior and posterior branches.