Tensor fascia lata is supplied by
**Core Concept**
Tensor fascia lata is a muscle in the thigh that plays a crucial role in hip flexion and knee extension. It is a complex structure comprising the tensor fascia lata muscle and the iliotibial tract, a fibrous band that runs down the lateral aspect of the thigh.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The tensor fascia lata muscle is supplied by the superior gluteal nerve, which is a branch of the L4-S1 nerve roots. The superior gluteal nerve arises from the dorsal branches of the L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots, which then merge to form a single nerve trunk. This nerve trunk exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, above the piriformis muscle, and supplies the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, as well as the tensor fascia lata muscle.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the inferior gluteal nerve, which supplies the gluteus maximus muscle, is not responsible for innervating the tensor fascia lata muscle.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the femoral nerve, which supplies the muscles of the anterior thigh, does not innervate the tensor fascia lata muscle.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the obturator nerve, which supplies the adductor muscles of the thigh, does not innervate the tensor fascia lata muscle.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The superior gluteal nerve is often damaged during operations for hip fractures or in cases of perineal trauma. This can lead to weakness of the tensor fascia lata muscle and the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, resulting in a characteristic Trendelenburg gait.
**Correct Answer: C. The superior gluteal nerve.**