Lateral sural cutaneous nerve

Lateral sural cutaneous nerve

The course and distribution of the cutaneous branches of the posterior division of the spinal nerves. The lateral sural cutaneous nerve is labeled at bottom right.

The Lateral sural cutaneous nerve is a branch of the common peroneal nerve, which itself is a branch of the sciatic nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the lateral aspect of the lower leg.

Anatomy

The lateral sural cutaneous nerve originates from the common peroneal nerve, which splits into the lateral sural cutaneous nerve and the sural nerve at the level of the knee. The nerve travels down the lateral aspect of the leg, providing sensory innervation to the skin.

Clinical significance

Damage to the lateral sural cutaneous nerve can result in sensory loss or paresthesia (abnormal sensation) in the lateral aspect of the lower leg. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or conditions that affect the peripheral nerves, such as diabetes mellitus or peripheral neuropathy.

See also

• Nervous system
• Peripheral nerve
• Sensory nerve