Sciatic notch

Sciatic Notch

The Sciatic Notch is a significant anatomical feature located in the human pelvis. It is divided into two sections: the Greater Sciatic Notch and the Lesser Sciatic Notch, both of which play crucial roles in the human skeletal system.

Anatomy

The Sciatic Notch is a deep indentation located on the posterior side of the ilium, one of the three bones that make up the hip bone. It is situated above the Ischial spine and below the Posterior Inferior Iliac Spine. The Greater Sciatic Notch is larger and situated superiorly, while the Lesser Sciatic Notch is smaller and located inferiorly.

Function

The primary function of the Sciatic Notch is to allow the passage of several important structures from the pelvis to the gluteal region. These include the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body, and various blood vessels and muscles. The Greater Sciatic Notch allows the passage of the piriformis muscle, sciatic nerve, and several other nerves and vessels. The Lesser Sciatic Notch allows the passage of the tendon of the Obturator internus muscle and the Nerve to obturator internus.

Clinical Significance

The Sciatic Notch is of particular interest in orthopedics and radiology due to its involvement in certain medical conditions. For instance, a narrow Sciatic Notch can lead to Sciatica, a condition characterized by pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve. It is also used as a landmark in radiographic imaging to assess pelvic injuries and abnormalities.

See Also

• Pelvis
• Sciatic nerve
• Ilium (bone)
• Ischial spine
• Posterior Inferior Iliac Spine