Also known as the
anterior crural nerve, the
femoral nerve is the largest branch of the lumbar plexus and supplies the
muscle of the
anterior compartment of the
thigh (including the
pectinus muscle) as well as
skin areas on the front of the
thigh, medial surface of the leg and foot.
This region is often attacked in grappling techniques used by jiu-jitsu and judo practicioners to 'break the guard' (applying pressure with the elbow to the inside of an opponent's thigh causes extreme discomfort, allowing one to remove oneself from between their legs).