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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the longest nerve in the human body?
A
Femoral nerve
B
Median nerve
C
Sciatic nerve
D
Ulnar nerve
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the anatomy of the nervous system and the role of peripheral nerves in the human body. Peripheral nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.
Step 2: Review the location and function of each nerve mentioned in the problem: Femoral nerve, Median nerve, Sciatic nerve, and Ulnar nerve. Identify their anatomical pathways and areas they innervate.
Step 3: Focus on the Sciatic nerve, which is known to be the longest nerve in the human body. It originates from the lumbar and sacral plexus (L4-S3) and travels down the posterior thigh, branching into the tibial and common fibular nerves in the lower leg.
Step 4: Compare the length and anatomical course of the Sciatic nerve to the other nerves listed. For example, the Femoral nerve primarily innervates the anterior thigh, the Median nerve runs through the arm and forearm, and the Ulnar nerve innervates parts of the hand and forearm. None of these nerves have a pathway as extensive as the Sciatic nerve.
Step 5: Conclude that the Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body based on its origin, pathway, and areas of innervation, which span from the lower back to the foot.