Sciatic nerve

Nervus ischiadicus

Formed from the L4-S3 nerve roots of the sacral plexus. It exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis muscle. It descends through the posterior thigh, dividing into the tibial and common peroneal (fibular) nerves, usually at the popliteal fossa.

Type Nerve
Body System Nervous
Body Region Hip
Parent Structure nerve
Latin Name Nervus ischiadicus
FMA ID 19034

Function

The largest and longest nerve in the body, providing motor innervation to the posterior thigh and all muscles below the knee. Provides sensory innervation to the lateral leg, foot, and parts of the posterior thigh.

Clinical Significance

Sciatica (sciatic nerve irritation, often from disc herniation) causes radiating pain down the posterior leg. Piriformis syndrome compresses the nerve in the buttock. Improper gluteal injections can damage the nerve. Complete sciatic nerve injury causes loss of all movement below the knee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sciatic nerve?
Formed from the L4-S3 nerve roots of the sacral plexus. It exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis muscle. It descends through the posterior thigh, dividing into the tibial and common peroneal (fibular) nerves, usually at the popliteal fossa.
What is the function of the Sciatic nerve?
The largest and longest nerve in the body, providing motor innervation to the posterior thigh and all muscles below the knee. Provides sensory innervation to the lateral leg, foot, and parts of the posterior thigh.
What body system is the Sciatic nerve part of?
The Sciatic nerve is part of the Nervous.
What conditions affect the Sciatic nerve?
Sciatica (sciatic nerve irritation, often from disc herniation) causes radiating pain down the posterior leg. Piriformis syndrome compresses the nerve in the buttock. Improper gluteal injections can damage the nerve. Complete sciatic nerve injury causes loss of all movement below the knee.
Where is the Sciatic nerve located?
The Sciatic nerve is located in the Hip region of the body.

Related Structures

accessory nucleus of optic tract nuclei accessorii tractus optici accessory pretectal nucleus APN aggregate regional part of brain set of nuclei of neuraxis alar plate midbrain amiculum of dentate nucleus amiculum nuclei dentati amiculum of inferior olive ami ampulla caudalis ansa peduncularis ansa peduncularis in thalamo

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