What is the spinal level for the obturator nerve?

What is the spinal level for the obturator nerve?

• A. L2, L3
• B. L1, L2, L3
• C. L3, L4
• D. L2, L3, L4

Answer: (D)

Spinal levels for the obturator nerve come from the lumbar plexus, specifically the ventral rami of L2, L3, and L4. The nerve is formed by the anterior divisions of these roots, travels through the psoas major, and exits the pelvis via the obturator canal to innervate the medial thigh muscles and provide sensory input to the medial thigh. Because it includes L2, L3, and L4, the correct range is L2, L3, L4. Choices that omit L4 or include L1 don’t reflect the standard origin of this nerve.

Spinal levels for the obturator nerve come from the lumbar plexus, specifically the ventral rami of L2, L3, and L4. The nerve is formed by the anterior divisions of these roots, travels through the psoas major, and exits the pelvis via the obturator canal to innervate the medial thigh muscles and provide sensory input to the medial thigh. Because it includes L2, L3, and L4, the correct range is L2, L3, L4. Choices that omit L4 or include L1 don’t reflect the standard origin of this nerve.