The femoral nerve is responsible for knee extension.
The femoral nerve innervates the quadriceps femoris muscle group, which is the primary muscle group responsible for extending the knee. This muscle group includes:
- Rectus Femoris: Also contributes to hip flexion.
- Vastus Lateralis: The largest of the quadriceps muscles.
- Vastus Medialis: Important for patellar stabilization.
- Vastus Intermedius: Lies deep to the rectus femoris.
When the femoral nerve sends signals to the quadriceps, these muscles contract, causing the knee to straighten or extend. Therefore, any damage or dysfunction of the femoral nerve can lead to weakness or inability to extend the knee.
