Which nerve supplies the extensor digitorum longus?

Which nerve supplies the extensor digitorum longus?

• A. Deep fibular (peroneal) nerve
• B. Tibial nerve
• C. Obturator nerve
• D. Common fibular nerve

Answer: (A)

Innervation of the muscles in the leg’s anterior compartment, including the extensor digitorum longus, comes from the deep fibular (deep peroneal) nerve. This nerve branches from the common fibular nerve and travels down the front of the leg with the anterior tibial vessels to reach and supply the dorsiflexors and toe extensors. Extensor digitorum longus specifically extends the lateral four toes and assists with dorsiflexion, making it a direct target of the deep fibular nerve (the other muscles in the same compartment share this nerve). The tibial nerve supplies the posterior compartment and plantar muscles, the obturator nerve serves the medial thigh, and while the common fibular nerve is the parent that gives rise to the deep fibular nerve, it is the deep fibular nerve that directly innervates this muscle.

Innervation of the muscles in the leg’s anterior compartment, including the extensor digitorum longus, comes from the deep fibular (deep peroneal) nerve. This nerve branches from the common fibular nerve and travels down the front of the leg with the anterior tibial vessels to reach and supply the dorsiflexors and toe extensors. Extensor digitorum longus specifically extends the lateral four toes and assists with dorsiflexion, making it a direct target of the deep fibular nerve (the other muscles in the same compartment share this nerve).

The tibial nerve supplies the posterior compartment and plantar muscles, the obturator nerve serves the medial thigh, and while the common fibular nerve is the parent that gives rise to the deep fibular nerve, it is the deep fibular nerve that directly innervates this muscle.