Nerve to quadratus femoris

The nerve to quadratus femoris is a nerve that arises from the sacral plexus and is responsible for innervating the quadratus femoris muscle and the inferior gemellus muscle.

Anatomy

The nerve to quadratus femoris originates from the anterior divisions of the fourth and fifth lumbar nerves (L4, L5) and the first sacral nerve (S1). It is part of the sacral plexus, which is a network of nerves located in the pelvis.

The nerve exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis muscle. It then travels anterior to the sciatic nerve and posterior to the obturator internus muscle and the gemelli muscles.

Function

The primary function of the nerve to quadratus femoris is to provide motor innervation to the quadratus femoris muscle and the inferior gemellus muscle. These muscles are involved in the lateral rotation of the thigh at the hip joint and stabilization of the hip joint.

Clinical significance

Injury to the nerve to quadratus femoris can result in weakness or paralysis of the quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus muscles, leading to difficulties in lateral rotation of the thigh. Such injuries may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression by surrounding structures.

Also see

• Sacral plexus
• Quadratus femoris muscle
• Inferior gemellus muscle
• Sciatic nerve
• Greater sciatic foramen