Advanced Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Quiz

Q1. Which root contribution to the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve is represented in both anterior and posterior divisions?

• L5
• S1
• S3
• S2

Q2. A patient has sensory loss over the posterior thigh and inferior buttock but retains normal hamstring strength. Which nerve is most likely affected?

• Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve
• Sciatic nerve
• Inferior gluteal nerve
• Femoral nerve

Q3. A lesion confined to the inferior cluneal branches would most directly produce sensory disturbance in which region?

• Lower buttock
• Dorsum of the foot
• Upper medial buttock
• Anterior thigh

Q4. Why can a proximal lesion of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve produce symptoms in both the posterior thigh and parts of the perineum?

• The nerve is the principal motor nerve of the pelvic floor
• The nerve forms the hypogastric plexus
• The nerve supplies the pelvic viscera with parasympathetic fibers
• The nerve carries cutaneous fibers to both regions

Q5. Which finding would argue against an isolated posterior femoral cutaneous nerve lesion and suggest involvement of a major motor nerve?

• Marked weakness of knee flexion
• Reduced sensation over the inferior buttock
• Sensory disturbance near the posterior perineum
• Numbness over the posterior thigh

Q6. Which anatomical relationship places the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve at risk during procedures involving the lower gluteal region?

• Its course through the femoral sheath
• Its course within the inguinal canal
• Its course through the obturator canal
• Its course deep to gluteus maximus

Q7. Which comparison between the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and pudendal nerve is most accurate?

• Both nerves are exclusively parasympathetic
• The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve is predominantly sensory, while the pudendal nerve has major sensory and motor functions
• The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve is the main motor nerve of the perineum
• The pudendal nerve is primarily a cutaneous nerve of the posterior thigh

Q8. Which feature helps distinguish the perineal sensory contribution of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve from that of the pudendal nerve?

• It provides the principal motor supply to the external anal sphincter
• It provides all sensory innervation to the external genitalia
• Its perineal contribution is limited compared with the pudendal nerve
• It carries the parasympathetic supply responsible for erection

Q9. A nerve is identified exiting below piriformis, descending deep to gluteus maximus, and continuing superficially over the hamstring region beneath the fascia lata. Which nerve best matches this course?

• Obturator nerve
• Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve
• Ilioinguinal nerve
• Femoral nerve

Q10. Which statement best integrates the anatomy and function of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve?

• It is a parasympathetic nerve controlling pelvic viscera
• It is a lumbar plexus motor nerve supplying the quadriceps
• It is the primary motor nerve supplying the hamstrings
• It is a sacral plexus sensory nerve supplying the posterior thigh and adjacent gluteal and perineal skin