Which nerve innervates the popliteus muscle?

Which nerve innervates the popliteus muscle?

• A. Common fibular nerve
• B. Sciatic nerve
• C. Deep peroneal nerve
• D. Tibial nerve

Answer: (D)

The popliteus muscle is supplied by the tibial nerve. This nerve is the branch of the sciatic that runs in the posterior compartments of the leg and provides motor innervation to the deep group of muscles behind the knee, including the popliteus. The common fibular nerve mainly targets the lateral and anterior compartments, the deep peroneal nerve supplies the anterior compartment, and the sciatic nerve is the larger trunk that splits into tibial and common fibular branches—innervation to the popliteus specifically comes from the tibial division. So, the tibial nerve is the correct innervation for the popliteus.

The popliteus muscle is supplied by the tibial nerve. This nerve is the branch of the sciatic that runs in the posterior compartments of the leg and provides motor innervation to the deep group of muscles behind the knee, including the popliteus. The common fibular nerve mainly targets the lateral and anterior compartments, the deep peroneal nerve supplies the anterior compartment, and the sciatic nerve is the larger trunk that splits into tibial and common fibular branches—innervation to the popliteus specifically comes from the tibial division. So, the tibial nerve is the correct innervation for the popliteus.