Which nerve supplies the anterior tibialis muscle?

Prepare for the NPTE Musculoskeletal Exam with comprehensive questions and detailed explanations to boost your confidence and knowledge. Sharpen your skills and ace the exam!

The anterior tibialis muscle is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot and plays a critical role in stabilizing the ankle joint. The nerve that supplies this muscle is the deep fibular nerve. This nerve branches from the common fibular nerve and specifically innervates the muscles located in the anterior compartment of the leg, including the anterior tibialis.

The deep fibular nerve is essential for proper functioning of the anterior tibialis during activities such as walking, running, and maintaining balance. Any compromise to the deep fibular nerve can result in foot drop, which is characterized by the inability to dorsiflex the foot, leading to difficulty in walking.

The other options relate to different anatomical regions or muscles, such as the femoral nerve, which innervates the quadriceps and other muscles in the anterior thigh; the tibial nerve, which innervates muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg; and the common fibular nerve, which ultimately branches into the deep fibular nerve and the superficial fibular nerve among others. However, these nerves do not directly supply the anterior tibialis muscle.

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