Intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve

Intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve

Diagram of the distribution of the cutaneous nerves of the right foot. (Intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve labeled at center right.)
Latin	nervus cutaneus dorsalis intermedius

The intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve is a sensory nerve in the human body that provides innervation to the skin on the dorsal aspect of the foot. It is a branch of the superficial peroneal nerve, which itself is a branch of the common peroneal nerve.

Anatomy

The intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve arises from the superficial peroneal nerve, which is a division of the common peroneal nerve. The common peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve, one of the major nerves of the lower limb.

The intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve travels down the leg and emerges from the fascia in the lower third of the leg. It then continues to the dorsum of the foot, where it divides into branches that supply the skin.

Function

The primary function of the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve is to provide sensory innervation to the skin on the dorsal aspect of the foot. This includes the skin over the lateral part of the foot and the dorsal surfaces of the toes, except for the areas innervated by the sural nerve and the deep peroneal nerve.

Clinical significance

Injury to the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve can result in sensory loss or neuropathic pain in its area of distribution. Such injuries can occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or compression.

Also see

• Superficial peroneal nerve
• Common peroneal nerve
• Sural nerve
• Deep peroneal nerve
• Sciatic nerve