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Nervio ciático

Nervus ischiadicus

The largest and longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve supplies motor innervation to the posterior thigh and every muscle below the knee, and sensation to the lateral leg, the foot, and part of the posterior thigh. Arising from the L4 to S3 roots of the sacral plexus, it leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis muscle, descends through the posterior thigh, and usually divides into the tibial and common peroneal nerves at the popliteal fossa. Irritation of the nerve, often from a herniated disc, produces sciatica, a pain that radiates down the back of the leg. Piriformis syndrome compresses it in the buttock, misplaced gluteal injections can injure it, and a complete lesion abolishes all movement below the knee.

Se forma a partir de las raíces nerviosas L4-S3 del plexo sacro. Sale de la pelvis a través del foramen ciático mayor, por debajo del músculo piriforme. Desciende por el muslo posterior y se divide en los nervios tibial y peroneo común (fibular), generalmente a nivel de la fosa poplítea.

On this page
Tipo Nerve
Sistema corporal Nervioso
Región corporal Cadera
Estructura principal nerve
Nombre latino Nervus ischiadicus
FMA ID 19034

Función

El nervio más largo y grueso del cuerpo, que proporciona inervación motora al muslo posterior y a todos los músculos por debajo de la rodilla. Proporciona inervación sensitiva a la cara lateral de la pierna, el pie y partes del muslo posterior.

Significado clínico

La ciática (irritación del nervio ciático, a menudo por hernia discal) causa dolor irradiado por la cara posterior de la pierna. El síndrome del piriforme comprime el nervio en el glúteo. Las inyecciones glúteas mal aplicadas pueden dañar el nervio. La lesión completa del nervio ciático causa la pérdida de todo movimiento por debajo de la rodilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the sciatic nerve do?

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body. It provides motor innervation to most muscles of the posterior thigh and all muscles of the lower leg and foot. It also carries sensory information from the skin of the lower leg, foot, and part of the thigh back to the spinal cord.

Where is the sciatic nerve located?

The sciatic nerve forms from nerve roots L4 through S3 in the sacral plexus. It exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, typically below the piriformis muscle, and runs deep in the posterior thigh between the hamstring muscles. At the popliteal fossa behind the knee, it divides into the tibial nerve and common fibular nerve.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. The most common cause is a herniated lumbar disc compressing a nerve root (most often L4, L5, or S1). Other causes include spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and rarely, tumors or injuries along the nerve's course.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:19034 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0001322 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikidata — Q307869 Structured knowledge base cross-reference
  4. Wikipedia — Nervio ciático Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

Aviso médico

Este contenido es solo para fines educativos e informativos. No pretende ser un sustituto del consejo médico profesional, diagnóstico o tratamiento. Siempre busque el consejo de su médico u otro proveedor de salud calificado ante cualquier pregunta que pueda tener sobre una condición médica. Nunca ignore el consejo médico profesional ni demore en buscarlo debido a algo que haya leído en este sitio web.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.