External plantar nerve

External Plantar Nerve

The external plantar nerve is a significant nerve in the human body that plays a crucial role in the innervation of the foot. It is a branch of the tibial nerve, which itself is a branch of the sciatic nerve. The external plantar nerve is responsible for providing sensory and motor functions to various parts of the foot.

Anatomy

The external plantar nerve originates from the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space located on the inside of the ankle. After passing through the tarsal tunnel, the nerve divides into two main branches: the medial plantar nerve and the external plantar nerve. The external plantar nerve further divides into superficial and deep branches.

Superficial Branch

The superficial branch of the external plantar nerve innervates the skin on the lateral side of the foot and the lateral three and a half toes. It provides sensory input, allowing for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature in these areas.

Deep Branch

The deep branch of the external plantar nerve innervates several muscles in the foot, including the abductor digiti minimi muscle, the quadratus plantae muscle, and the adductor hallucis muscle. These muscles are essential for movements such as toe abduction and flexion, contributing to the overall function and stability of the foot.

Function

The primary functions of the external plantar nerve include:

• Sensory innervation to the lateral aspect of the foot and toes.
• Motor innervation to specific muscles in the foot, aiding in movements such as toe abduction and flexion.

Clinical Significance

Damage or compression of the external plantar nerve can lead to various medical conditions, including:

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: A condition caused by the compression of the tibial nerve or its branches, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot.
• Peripheral neuropathy: A disorder that results from damage to the peripheral nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and pain, typically in the hands and feet.

Related Pages

• Tibial nerve
• Sciatic nerve
• Medial plantar nerve
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Abductor digiti minimi muscle
• Quadratus plantae muscle
• Adductor hallucis muscle