Cluneal nerves

Cluneal Nerves

The course and distribution of the cutaneous branches of the posterior division of the spinal nerves. The medial cluneal nerves are the most medial of the cutaneous nerves.

The Cluneal nerves are a group of nerves in the human body that innervate the skin of the buttocks. They are derived from the dorsal rami of the lower lumbar and upper sacral spinal nerves. The cluneal nerves are divided into three groups: the superior cluneal nerves, the middle cluneal nerves, and the inferior cluneal nerves.

Superior Cluneal Nerves

The Superior Cluneal Nerves (Nervi Clunium Superiores) are derived from the dorsal rami of the first, second, and third lumbar nerves. They pierce the fascia lata, and distribute filaments to the skin of the buttocks.

Middle Cluneal Nerves

The Middle Cluneal Nerves (Nervi Clunium Medii) are derived from the dorsal rami of the first, second, and third sacral nerves. They pierce the fascia lata, and distribute filaments to the skin of the buttocks.

Inferior Cluneal Nerves

The Inferior Cluneal Nerves (Nervi Clunium Inferiores) are derived from the dorsal rami of the fourth and fifth sacral nerves, and the coccygeal nerve. They pierce the fascia lata, and distribute filaments to the skin of the buttocks.

Clinical Significance

The cluneal nerves can sometimes be involved in lower back pain and sciatica. This is due to the close proximity of these nerves to the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint. Cluneal nerve entrapment is a condition where the cluneal nerves become compressed or irritated, causing pain in the buttocks.

See Also

• Nervous system
• Spinal nerves
• Lumbar nerves
• Sacral nerves