Which nerve supplies the gastrocnemius muscle?

Which nerve supplies the gastrocnemius muscle?

• A. Deep fibular nerve
• B. Tibial nerve
• C. Common fibular nerve
• D. Femoral nerve

Answer: (B)

The gastrocnemius muscle, which is a major muscle in the calf of the leg, is primarily supplied by the tibial nerve. The tibial nerve branches from the sciatic nerve and innervates the muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg, including the gastrocnemius, which plays a crucial role in plantarflexion of the foot and knee flexion. Since the gastrocnemius is involved in maintaining posture and movements such as walking, running, and jumping, it is vital for activities requiring lower limb strength and mobility. Other nerves mentioned, like the deep fibular nerve, common fibular nerve, and femoral nerve, serve different muscles and regions. The deep fibular nerve innervates muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg, focusing on dorsiflexion of the foot. The common fibular nerve is responsible for innervating muscles in both the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg. The femoral nerve primarily innervates the anterior thigh muscles and is not involved with the muscles of the leg or calf. Therefore, the tibial nerve is the correct choice as it specifically targets the gastrocnemius muscle.

The gastrocnemius muscle, which is a major muscle in the calf of the leg, is primarily supplied by the tibial nerve. The tibial nerve branches from the sciatic nerve and innervates the muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg, including the gastrocnemius, which plays a crucial role in plantarflexion of the foot and knee flexion. Since the gastrocnemius is involved in maintaining posture and movements such as walking, running, and jumping, it is vital for activities requiring lower limb strength and mobility.

Other nerves mentioned, like the deep fibular nerve, common fibular nerve, and femoral nerve, serve different muscles and regions. The deep fibular nerve innervates muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg, focusing on dorsiflexion of the foot. The common fibular nerve is responsible for innervating muscles in both the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg. The femoral nerve primarily innervates the anterior thigh muscles and is not involved with the muscles of the leg or calf. Therefore, the tibial nerve is the correct choice as it specifically targets the gastrocnemius muscle.