Lumbar + Sacral Plexuses

Question 1

lumbar plexus

Answer 1

• formed from ventral rami of L1 - L4
• anterior and posterior divisions
• branches into nerves that supply pelvis + lower extremities

Question 2

femoral nerve

Answer 2

• major nerve of lumbar plexus

- innervates hip flexors, knee extensors, skin of interior thigh

Question 3

lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Answer 3

• stems from lumbar plexus

- carries sensory information from skin of anterior, lateral, & posterior thigh

Question 4

saphenous nerve

Answer 4

• stems from lumbar plexus

- carries sensory information from skin of medial surface of leg

Question 5

sacral plexus

Answer 5

• formed from ventral rami of L4 - S4

Question 6

sciatic nerve

Answer 6

• major nerve of sacral plexus
• largest nerve in body
• innervates inferior trunk, posterior surface of thigh

Question 7

lower leg branches of sciatic nerve (2)

Answer 7

1. common fibular (peroneal) nerve

2. tibial nerve