Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which nerve is associated with loss of sensation in the medial leg?

1. Sural nerve

2. Femoral nerve

3. Saphenous nerve

4. Tibial nerve

The correct answer is: Saphenous nerve

The saphenous nerve is the correct answer because it is a branch of the femoral nerve and primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin of the medial aspect of the leg and foot. When there is damage or entrapment of the saphenous nerve, individuals may experience loss of sensation specifically in this area. This nerve runs alongside the great saphenous vein and provides sensation from the skin over the medial leg, making it crucial for normal sensory function in this region. Given its specific role, any dysfunction or injury to the saphenous nerve will lead to noticeable sensory deficits in the medial leg. While the sural nerve also provides sensory innervation to the lower leg, it mainly affects the lateral and posterior aspects rather than the medial side. The femoral nerve, on the other hand, is more involved with the anterior compartment of the thigh and has a role in motor functions and the sensation of the anterior thigh, not directly contributing to sensation in the medial leg. The tibial nerve primarily supplies the posterior compartment of the leg and does not provide sensory fibers to the medial aspect of the leg.