Superficial branch of lateral plantar nerve: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:50, 11 December 2024

The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve is a significant nerve in the foot that plays a crucial role in sensory innervation. It is a branch of the lateral plantar nerve, which itself is a branch of the tibial nerve.

Anatomy[edit]

The lateral plantar nerve divides into a deep and a superficial branch. The superficial branch further divides into two main branches:

The lateral proper plantar digital nerve, which supplies the skin of the lateral side of the little toe.
The common plantar digital nerve, which supplies the skin of the adjacent sides of the fourth and fifth toes.

Function[edit]

The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot, including the lateral side of the little toe and the adjacent sides of the fourth and fifth toes.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injury to the superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve can result in sensory deficits in its area of distribution. This can occur due to trauma, surgical complications, or compression. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas.

Also see[edit]

Template:Nerves of the lower limb

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Superficial branch of lateral plantar nerve ==
+{{Infobox nerve
+| Name            = Superficial branch of lateral plantar nerve
+| Latin           = ramus superficialis nervi plantaris lateralis
+| Image           = Gray833.png
+| Caption         = The plantar nerves.
+| Innervates      = Skin of the lateral plantar aspect of the foot
+| BranchFrom      = [[Lateral plantar nerve]]
+}}
-The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve is a peripheral nerve that arises from the tibial nerve within the foot. It is responsible for providing sensory innervation to specific areas of the foot, as well as contributing to the motor function of certain muscles.
+The '''superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve''' is a significant nerve in the foot that plays a crucial role in sensory innervation. It is a branch of the [[lateral plantar nerve]], which itself is a branch of the [[tibial nerve]].
-=== Anatomy ===
+==Anatomy==
+The lateral plantar nerve divides into a deep and a superficial branch. The superficial branch further divides into two main branches:
-The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve originates from the tibial nerve, which is a major branch of the sciatic nerve. It arises in the posterior compartment of the leg and descends into the foot through the tarsal tunnel. Within the tarsal tunnel, the tibial nerve divides into its terminal branches, including the medial and lateral plantar nerves.
+* The '''lateral proper plantar digital nerve''', which supplies the skin of the lateral side of the little toe.
+* The '''common plantar digital nerve''', which supplies the skin of the adjacent sides of the fourth and fifth toes.
-The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve emerges from the tarsal tunnel and courses along the lateral aspect of the foot. It runs superficially to the plantar aponeurosis and deep to the subcutaneous tissue. As it travels distally, it gives off several branches that provide sensory innervation to specific areas of the foot.
+==Function==
+The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot, including the lateral side of the little toe and the adjacent sides of the fourth and fifth toes.
-=== Function ===
+==Clinical Significance==
+Injury to the superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve can result in sensory deficits in its area of distribution. This can occur due to trauma, surgical complications, or compression. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas.
-The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve primarily provides sensory innervation to the lateral aspect of the foot. It supplies the skin over the fifth metatarsal bone, the lateral three and a half toes, and the corresponding sides of the dorsum and sole of the foot. This sensory information allows for the perception of touch, temperature, and pain in these areas.
+==Also see==
+* [[Lateral plantar nerve]]
+* [[Tibial nerve]]
+* [[Medial plantar nerve]]
+* [[Plantar fascia]]
-In addition to its sensory function, the superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve also contributes to the motor function of certain muscles. It sends motor branches to the abductor digiti minimi muscle, which is responsible for abducting the little toe, and the quadratus plantae muscle, which assists in flexing the lateral four toes.
+{{Nerves of the lower limb}}
-=== Clinical Significance ===
+[[Category:Peripheral nervous system]]
+[[Category:Foot anatomy]]
-Injuries or compression of the superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve can result in various symptoms. Common conditions affecting this nerve include entrapment neuropathies, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, and trauma-related injuries.
-Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve is compressed within the tarsal tunnel, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling along the distribution of the superficial branch. This condition can be caused by various factors, including anatomical abnormalities, repetitive stress, or direct trauma to the foot.
-Trauma-related injuries, such as lacerations or fractures, can also affect the superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve. Damage to the nerve can result in sensory deficits, motor weakness, or both, depending on the severity of the injury.
-=== Conclusion ===
-The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve is an important peripheral nerve within the foot. It provides sensory innervation to specific areas of the foot and contributes to the motor function of certain muscles. Understanding the anatomy and function of this nerve is crucial in diagnosing and managing conditions that may affect its integrity.<br>{{stub}}
-{{dictionary-stub1}}