Deep peroneal nerve supplies
## **Core Concept**
The deep peroneal nerve, also known as the anterior tibial nerve, is a branch of the common peroneal nerve. It supplies muscles and skin in the anterior compartment of the leg and the dorsum of the foot. The nerve plays a crucial role in controlling foot and toe movements.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The deep peroneal nerve primarily supplies the muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg, including the **tibialis anterior**, **extensor digitorum longus**, and **peroneus tertius**. It also supplies the **extensor hallucis longus** muscle. These muscles are responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot and extension of the toes. The nerve also provides sensory innervation to the skin on the dorsum of the foot and the first web space.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Incorrect because the muscles in the lateral compartment of the leg, such as the **peroneus longus** and **peroneus brevis**, are supplied by the superficial peroneal nerve.
- **Option B:** Incorrect because the muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg, such as the **gastrocnemius** and **soleus**, are supplied by the tibial nerve.
- **Option C:** Incorrect because, although some sources might group it differently, the primary distribution does not match the typical supply areas associated with the listed choices.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical correlation is the **foot drop** syndrome, often caused by damage to the deep peroneal nerve or the common peroneal nerve. This results in weakness of the muscles responsible for foot dorsiflexion, leading to a characteristic "slapping" gait.
## **Correct Answer:** D.