By which nerve is the hip joint supplied ?
**Core Concept**
The hip joint receives its nerve supply from the femoral nerve, which is a branch of the lumbar plexus. The femoral nerve is responsible for providing sensory and motor innervation to the anterior aspect of the thigh, including the hip joint.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The femoral nerve arises from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the L2-L4 nerve roots. It descends through the femoral triangle and divides into its terminal branches, including the femoral cutaneous nerve, which provides sensory innervation to the skin overlying the hip joint. The femoral nerve also gives off articular branches that supply the hip joint, making it the primary nerve responsible for its innervation. This is in contrast to other nerves, such as the sciatic nerve, which primarily supplies the posterior aspect of the thigh.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The deep peroneal nerve is a branch of the common peroneal nerve, which supplies the muscles and skin of the lateral and anterior compartments of the leg, but not the hip joint.
**Option C:** The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that arises from the L4-S3 nerve roots and descends through the posterior aspect of the thigh, primarily supplying the muscles and skin of the posterior compartment. It does not supply the hip joint.
**Option D:** The posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh is a branch of the sacral plexus that supplies the skin of the posterior aspect of the thigh, but not the hip joint.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the femoral nerve is responsible for the innervation of the anterior aspect of the thigh, including the hip joint, and that the sciatic nerve primarily supplies the posterior aspect of the thigh.
**β Correct Answer: B. Femoral**