The tibial nerve provides motor innervation to which of the following muscle groups?

The tibial nerve provides motor innervation to which of the following muscle groups?

• A. Gastrocnemius and Soleus
• B. Tibialis Anterior
• C. Peroneus Longus
• D. Quadriceps Femoris

Answer: (A)

The tibial nerve primarily supplies motor to the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg—the plantarflexors. Gastrocnemius and soleus are the major muscles in that group, so they receive motor innervation from the tibial nerve. The other muscles shown come from different nerve territories: tibialis anterior is in the anterior compartment and is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve; peroneus longus is in the lateral compartment and is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve; quadriceps femoris is in the anterior thigh and is innervated by the femoral nerve. Therefore, gastrocnemius and soleus are the muscles innervated by the tibial nerve.

The tibial nerve primarily supplies motor to the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg—the plantarflexors. Gastrocnemius and soleus are the major muscles in that group, so they receive motor innervation from the tibial nerve. The other muscles shown come from different nerve territories: tibialis anterior is in the anterior compartment and is innervated by the deep peroneal nerve; peroneus longus is in the lateral compartment and is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve; quadriceps femoris is in the anterior thigh and is innervated by the femoral nerve. Therefore, gastrocnemius and soleus are the muscles innervated by the tibial nerve.