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).
Frequently asked questions
What are the roots of the tibial nerve?
The tibial nerve arises from L4, L5, S1, S2, S3 (tibial division of the sciatic).
What muscles does the tibial nerve supply?
The tibial nerve supplies the superficial and deep posterior leg muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis posterior, toe flexors) and intrinsic sole muscles.
What is the sensory distribution of the tibial nerve?
The tibial nerve carries sensation from the sole of the foot (medial and lateral plantar nerves) and part of the posterolateral leg (sural nerve contribution).
What is the course of the tibial nerve?
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.