Leg · Nerve
Femoral Nerve
The femoral nerve runs into the front of the thigh and controls the muscles that straighten the knee and bend the hip, and carries sensation from the front of the thigh.
What it is
The femoral nerve is a major nerve of the leg, arising from the lower spine and passing into the front of the thigh.
Where it runs
From the lower spine, through the pelvis, into the front of the thigh.
What it does
Controls the quadriceps (which straighten the knee) and hip-bending muscles, and carries sensation from the front of the thigh and inner leg.
When things go wrong
Common problems affecting the femoral nerve
- Femoral nerve injury causing weakness straightening the knee
- Compression from pelvic problems
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. New weakness or numbness, facial drooping, or loss of bladder or bowel control can be an emergency — call 999.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The femoral nerve powers the quadriceps, so it is essential for standing up and climbing stairs.
Answers
Femoral Nerve: frequently asked questions
What does the femoral nerve do?
It controls the muscles that straighten the knee and bend the hip, and carries sensation from the front of the thigh.
Related nerves
Explore leg nerves
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Nervous system
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- TeachMeAnatomy — nervous system
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