Saphenous Nerve Anatomy and Function

Anatomy of the Saphenous Nerve

The saphenous nerve is a branch of the femoral nerve, which originates from the lumbar plexus. It is the largest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve and provides sensory innervation to the medial side of the leg and foot. The nerve arises from the femoral nerve near the apex of the femoral triangle, just below the inguinal ligament. From there, it descends through the thigh, following the course of the great saphenous vein.

Origin and Pathway

The saphenous nerve originates from the lumbar plexus, specifically from the anterior divisions of the second, third, and fourth lumbar nerves (L2-L4). It emerges from the femoral nerve at the apex of the femoral triangle, which is a triangular region located just below the inguinal ligament, and descends through the adductor canal.

Branches

As the saphenous nerve travels down the adductor canal, it gives off several branches. These branches include the infrapatellar branch, which provides sensory innervation to the skin below the patella, and the articular branches, which supply the knee joint. Additionally, the saphenous nerve gives rise to the cutaneous branches that innervate the skin along the medial side of the leg and foot.

Function of the Saphenous Nerve

The saphenous nerve serves both sensory and motor functions in the lower extremity.

Sensory Innervation

The main function of the saphenous nerve is sensory innervation. It provides sensation to the skin along the medial side of the leg and foot, extending from the knee down to the medial malleolus. This includes the skin over the anterior and medial aspects of the leg, as well as the medial side of the foot.

Motor Innervation

While the saphenous nerve primarily carries sensory fibers, it also carries some motor fibers. These motor fibers innervate the muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg, including the tibialis anterior muscle. The tibialis anterior muscle plays a crucial role in dorsiflexion of the foot and inversion of the ankle.

Clinical Significance

The saphenous nerve can be affected by various conditions, leading to clinical manifestations. Injury or compression of the nerve can result in sensory disturbances, such as numbness or tingling along the distribution of the nerve. Common causes of saphenous nerve neuropathy include trauma, entrapment in the adductor canal, and surgical procedures involving the knee or thigh.

In addition to its clinical significance, understanding the anatomy and function of the saphenous nerve is important for medical professionals and students in various fields, including podiatry. For more information on podiatry and foot-related conditions, you can visit PrePodiatryClinic101.com.