Tibial nerve

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The tibial nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve that supplies the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg and the plantar aspect of the foot. It is one of the major nerves of the lower limb and plays a crucial role in motor and sensory functions.

Anatomy

The tibial nerve originates from the sciatic nerve in the lower third of the thigh. It travels through the popliteal fossa and descends along the posterior aspect of the leg. The nerve passes behind the medial malleolus and enters the foot, where it divides into the medial plantar nerve and the lateral plantar nerve.

Branches

The tibial nerve gives off several branches:

• Medial sural cutaneous nerve
• Muscular branches to the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg
• Medial calcaneal branches
• Medial plantar nerve
• Lateral plantar nerve

Function

The tibial nerve innervates the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg, including the gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, popliteus, tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus. These muscles are primarily responsible for plantar flexion and inversion of the foot. In the foot, the tibial nerve provides sensory innervation to the plantar aspect of the foot through its branches, the medial plantar nerve and the lateral plantar nerve.

Clinical significance

Damage to the tibial nerve can result in loss of function in the muscles it innervates, leading to conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome and foot drop. Symptoms of tibial nerve injury may include pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas.

See also

• Sciatic nerve
• Common fibular nerve
• Popliteal fossa
• Posterior compartment of the leg
• Plantar aspect of the foot