Nerve
Tibial nerve
Posterior leg and sole
High-yield
Runs through the popliteal fossa and behind the medial malleolus (tarsal tunnel); injury → loss of plantarflexion and inversion, and a clawed foot.
Overview
The larger terminal branch of the sciatic nerve, supplying the posterior leg and, via the plantar nerves, the sole of the foot.
Reference facts
- Roots
L4, L5, S1, S2, S3 (tibial division of the sciatic)
- Course
Descends through the popliteal fossa, deep to soleus, and passes behind the medial malleolus in the tarsal tunnel, dividing into medial and lateral plantar nerves
- Motor
Superficial and deep posterior leg muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis posterior, toe flexors) and intrinsic sole muscles
- Sensory
Sole of the foot (medial and lateral plantar nerves) and part of the posterolateral leg (sural nerve contribution)
Clinical correlation
Tarsal tunnel syndrome causes sole paresthesia; injury weakens plantarflexion (can't stand on toes).