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In sciatic nerve
…into the tibial and the common peroneal nerve, both of which serve the lower leg and foot.
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In human nervous system: Sacral plexus
The peroneal nerve, from the ventral division, travels to the anterior surface of the leg and innervates the tibialis anterior, the fibularis muscles, and extensor muscles that elevate the foot and fan the toes. Cutaneous branches from the tibial and common fibular nerves serve the outer…
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sciatic nerve

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sciatic nerve

anatomy

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Last Updated: Jun 6, 2025 • Article History

Related Topics:: piriformis syndrome; sciatica; tibial nerve; common peroneal nerve; sacral plexus

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sciatic nerve, largest and thickest nerve of the human body that is the principal continuation of all the roots of the sacral plexus. It emerges from the spinal cord in the lumbar portion of the spine and runs down through the buttocks and the back of the thigh; above the back of the knee it divides into the tibial and the common peroneal nerve, both of which serve the lower leg and foot.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Michele Metych.

common peroneal nerve

Learn about this topic in these articles:

function and location

sciatic nerve