A podiatry-focused anatomy review compares the plantar nerves. Which intrinsic muscle of the sole receives its motor supply from the lateral plantar nerve rather than the medial plantar nerve?

• A Abductor hallucis
• B Flexor digitorum brevis
• C Flexor hallucis brevis
• D Adductor hallucis ✓

Explanation

The medial plantar nerve, analogous to the median nerve of the hand, supplies abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, and the first lumbrical. The lateral plantar nerve, analogous to the ulnar nerve, supplies everything else, including adductor hallucis, the remaining three lumbricals, and all interossei. Recognising this median-versus-ulnar analogy is the fastest way to answer such questions correctly.

Reference: Snell's Clinical Anatomy by Regions, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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