Lateral plantar nerves

Lateral plantar nerves

The lateral plantar nerves are a branch of the tibial nerve that supplies the lateral aspect of the foot. These nerves are crucial for the sensory and motor innervation of the foot, playing a significant role in foot movement and sensation.

Anatomy

The lateral plantar nerves originate from the tibial nerve, which is a branch of the sciatic nerve. The tibial nerve divides into the medial plantar nerve and the lateral plantar nerve at the level of the ankle. The lateral plantar nerve further divides into superficial and deep branches.

Superficial Branch

The superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve innervates the skin on the lateral side of the foot and the lateral three and a half toes. It also supplies the flexor digiti minimi brevis and the interossei muscles.

Deep Branch

The deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve innervates the adductor hallucis, the quadratus plantae, and the lumbricals of the foot. It also provides motor innervation to the interossei muscles.

Function

The lateral plantar nerves are responsible for both sensory and motor functions. Sensory functions include providing sensation to the lateral part of the foot and the lateral three and a half toes. Motor functions include innervating muscles that control toe movement and foot stability.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the lateral plantar nerves can result in loss of sensation or motor function in the areas they supply. Conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome can affect these nerves, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness in the foot.

Related Pages

• Tibial nerve
• Medial plantar nerve
• Sciatic nerve
• Flexor digiti minimi brevis
• Interossei muscles
• Adductor hallucis
• Quadratus plantae
• Lumbricals
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome