Which nerve is primarily responsible for adductor function and medial thigh sensation, and what is its root range?

Which nerve is primarily responsible for adductor function and medial thigh sensation, and what is its root range?

• A. Ilioinguinal nerve; L1–L2
• B. Femoral nerve; L2–L3
• C. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve; L2–L3
• D. Obturator nerve; L2–L4

Answer: (D)

The nerve in question is the obturator nerve, and it carries roots from L2 to L4. It travels through the obturator canal to the medial thigh, where its motor branches supply the adductor group—adductor longus, adductor brevis, gracilis, and the adductor part of adductor magnus, as well as obturator externus. This same nerve also provides sensory fibers to the medial thigh through its cutaneous branches. A useful nuance is that the hamstring portion of adductor magnus is supplied by the sciatic nerve, while the obturator handles the adductor portion and medial thigh sensation, aligning with the L2–L4 root range.

The nerve in question is the obturator nerve, and it carries roots from L2 to L4. It travels through the obturator canal to the medial thigh, where its motor branches supply the adductor group—adductor longus, adductor brevis, gracilis, and the adductor part of adductor magnus, as well as obturator externus. This same nerve also provides sensory fibers to the medial thigh through its cutaneous branches. A useful nuance is that the hamstring portion of adductor magnus is supplied by the sciatic nerve, while the obturator handles the adductor portion and medial thigh sensation, aligning with the L2–L4 root range.