Which of the following muscle group is innervated by obturator nerve?
**Core Concept**
The obturator nerve is a branch of the lumbar plexus that innervates a specific muscle group in the lower limb. This muscle group plays a crucial role in hip adduction and stabilization.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The obturator nerve innervates the adductor group of muscles, which includes the adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, pectineus, and gracilis. These muscles are responsible for hip adduction, which is the movement of the thigh towards the midline of the body. The obturator nerve provides motor innervation to these muscles through its branches, including the anterior and posterior divisions. The anterior division innervates the adductor longus, adductor brevis, and pectineus, while the posterior division innervates the adductor magnus and gracilis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The femoral nerve is responsible for innervating the quadriceps femoris muscle group, which is involved in knee extension, not hip adduction.
**Option B:** The sciatic nerve is a mixed nerve that innervates the hamstrings and the muscles of the posterior thigh, not the adductor group.
**Option C:** The tibial nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve that innervates the muscles of the posterior leg and foot, not the adductor group.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The obturator nerve is also responsible for providing sensory innervation to the medial aspect of the thigh, including the skin and superficial structures. This knowledge is essential for diagnosing nerve injuries and other conditions affecting the lower limb.
**Correct Answer: C. Adductor group of muscles**