Nervus saphenus

Nervus Saphenus is a branch of the femoral nerve, the largest nerve in the lumbar plexus. It is responsible for innervating the skin of the medial side of the leg and foot.

Anatomy

The nervus saphenus originates from the posterior division of the femoral nerve, specifically from the L3 and L4 spinal nerves. It descends through the adductor canal, also known as Hunter's canal, along with the femoral artery and femoral vein.

The nerve then passes behind the sartorius muscle and descends along the medial side of the leg. It gives off infrapatellar branches to the skin in front of the knee and continues down the leg to supply the skin over the medial side of the foot and ankle.

Function

The primary function of the nervus saphenus is sensory. It provides cutaneous sensation to the skin on the anteromedial aspect of the lower leg and the medial side of the foot.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the nervus saphenus can result in numbness or tingling in the areas of the skin it supplies. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or conditions such as diabetes mellitus that can cause peripheral neuropathy.

The nerve is also often used as a graft in nerve repair surgeries. Its relatively superficial location and sensory function make it a good candidate for grafting procedures.

See Also

• Femoral nerve
• Lumbar plexus
• Adductor canal
• Sartorius muscle
• Peripheral neuropathy

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