Match the following nerves with the structures they innervate.     


____Phrenic nerve     
____Median nerve     
____Femoral nerve     
____Tibial nerve     
____Radial nerve     
____Intercostal nerves     
____Common fibular nerve     
____Musculocutaneous nerve


a. Motor to the triceps brachii muscle and muscles in the forearm that extend the hand; sensory from the posterior hand
b. Motor to the muscles in the anterior arm that flex the forearm; sensory from skin over the lateral forearm
c. Motor to the muscles in the anterior and lateral leg that evert and dorsiflex the foot; sensory from the skin of the anteroinferior leg
d. Motor to the diaphragm muscle
e. Motor to the muscles in the anterior thigh extend the knee; sensory from the skin over the anterior thigh and leg
f. Motor to the hamstring muscles that extend the thigh and flex the leg, muscles of the leg that plantarflex the foot, and muscles of the foot; sensory from the skin over the posterior and lateral leg and foot
g. Motor to the muscles between the ribs and the abdominal muscles; sensory from the skin over the abdomen
h. Motor to the muscles in the forearm that flex the hand, certain intrinsic hand muscles; sensory from the skin of the anterior hand

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by identifying the function of each nerve listed in the problem. For example, the phrenic nerve is primarily responsible for motor innervation to the diaphragm muscle, which is essential for breathing.
2. Step 2: Match each nerve to its corresponding description based on its anatomical function and sensory/motor innervation. For instance, the median nerve provides motor innervation to muscles in the forearm that flex the hand and certain intrinsic hand muscles, and sensory innervation to the skin of the anterior hand.
3. Step 3: Continue matching by analyzing the femoral nerve, which provides motor innervation to the muscles in the anterior thigh that extend the knee and sensory innervation to the skin over the anterior thigh and leg.
4. Step 4: Match the tibial nerve, which innervates the hamstring muscles that extend the thigh and flex the leg, muscles of the leg that plantarflex the foot, and muscles of the foot, while providing sensory input from the skin over the posterior and lateral leg and foot.
5. Step 5: Complete the matching process by addressing the remaining nerves (radial, intercostal, common fibular, and musculocutaneous) and their respective descriptions, ensuring each nerve is paired with its correct anatomical function and sensory/motor innervation.

Key Concepts

Nerve Innervation

Nerve innervation refers to the process by which nerves supply signals to muscles and skin, enabling movement and sensation. Each nerve is responsible for specific muscle groups and areas of skin, which is crucial for understanding how the nervous system controls bodily functions. For example, the phrenic nerve innervates the diaphragm, essential for breathing.

Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting the central nervous system to limbs and organs. It includes motor nerves that control muscle movements and sensory nerves that relay information from the body to the brain. Understanding the PNS is vital for identifying how different nerves, like the median and femoral nerves, function in the body.

Motor and Sensory Functions

Nerves can have motor functions, which involve sending signals to muscles to initiate movement, or sensory functions, which involve transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain. For instance, the radial nerve has both motor functions for arm extension and sensory functions for the posterior hand. Recognizing these functions is essential for matching nerves to their respective structures.