Question

If the sciatic nerve is severed at the level of the lesser trochanter, muscle function will not be impaired at which lower extremity joint?

Answer 1

Severing the sciatic nerve at the level of the lesser trochanter would not impair muscle function at the ankle joint, as this is controlled by branches of the sciatic nerve below the lesser trochanter.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the sciatic nerve is severed at the level of the lesser trochanter, the loss of muscle function would affect movements at the hip and knee joints, given the nerve's innervation patterns.

However, muscle function at the ankle joint would not be impaired because the sciatic nerve does not control ankle function directly; rather, the tibial and fibular nerves, which are branches of the sciatic nerve, manage this function beyond the level of the lesser trochanter.