The femoral nerve (FN) is described as originating from the lumbar plexus (L2, L3 and L4) and in its course it emits branches destined to each one of the quadriceps femoral muscle (QFm), which are originated in an isolated way or, from common trunks. The detail of the distribution of the FN in the QFm, allows to diminish risks associated with different surgical interventions carried out in the anterior thigh area. With the purpose of describing the distribution of FN in the QFm components. Fifteen formalized lower limbs were used, 10 on the left side and 5 on the right side of adult individuals, Brazilians, located in the Anatomy Laboratories of the State University of Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas (UNCISAL) , Maceió, Brazil. The FN was classified into four types according to its branch and distribution. Type II was subdivided into 3 subtypes and presented in 60 % of the samples and type III in 20 %. The FN was divided from medial to lateral in 5 branches (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5), where B1 was the most medial. The B1 gave rise to an average of 2.47 secondary branches (sB) and to 2.58 tertiary branches (tB), in 13.3 % the B1 did not emit sB. In 73.3 %, only one component of the QFm was invested; B2 gave rise to an average of 3.93 sB and 3.58 tB. In 26.7 %, it invested only one component of the QFm; B3 gave rise to an average of 3.33 sB and 2.0 tB. In 80 %, it invested only one component of the QFm. The distribution of B4 and B5 are shown in the text. Biometric results of origin, diameter and length of the mentioned branches are shown in tables. The data obtained in this research complements the knowledge of the regional anatomy, being able to be used by the surgical clinic and to carry out treatments that improve neurological disorders that affect the region.
KEY WORDS: Anatomy; Femoral nerve; Biometry; Quadriceps femoral muscle.
