What nerve innervates the Vastus lateralis?

The vastus lateralis is one of the four muscles that comprise the quadriceps femoris group, which is primarily responsible for extending the knee. The innervation of the vastus lateralis is provided specifically by the femoral nerve, which is a branch of the lumbar plexus (L2-L4).

The femoral nerve has a crucial role in motor innervation to all the muscles of the anterior compartment of the thigh, which includes the quadriceps group. This is why the correct answer highlights the femoral nerve as the proper source of innervation for the vastus lateralis, allowing this muscle to function effectively in knee extension.

The other options pertain to different nerves that do not provide motor innervation to the vastus lateralis. The nerve to oburator internus innervates the obturator internus muscle; the obturator nerve primarily innervates the adductor muscles of the thigh; and the superior gluteal nerve innervates the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. These specific roles highlight why they are not the correct choices when identifying the nerve responsible for innervating the vastus lateralis.