3rd and 4th lumbrical (lateral two lumbricals) of foot are supplied by ?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of the innervation of the muscles of the foot, specifically the lumbricals. The lumbricals are a group of four small muscles in the foot that play a crucial role in foot movement and balance. They are innervated by nerves that arise from the lumbar and sacral plexus.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The 3rd and 4th lumbricals of the foot are innervated by the plantar nerves, specifically the lateral plantar nerve. The lateral plantar nerve is a branch of the posterior tibial nerve, which arises from the sciatic nerve. The posterior tibial nerve is formed by the combination of the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve. The tibial nerve is formed from the L4-S3 nerve roots, while the common peroneal nerve is formed from the L4-S2 nerve roots.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the medial plantar nerve, which is another branch of the posterior tibial nerve, innervates the 1st and 2nd lumbricals, not the 3rd and 4th.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the superficial peroneal nerve, which arises from the common peroneal nerve, innervates the muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg, not the lumbricals of the foot.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the deep peroneal nerve, which also arises from the common peroneal nerve, innervates the muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg, not the lumbricals of the foot.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the nerves of the foot are often divided into two groups: the medial and lateral plantar nerves. The medial plantar nerve innervates the 1st and 2nd lumbricals, while the lateral plantar nerve innervates the 3rd and 4th lumbricals.
**Correct Answer: C. The lateral two lumbricals of the foot are supplied by the lateral plantar nerve.**