Posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh

Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh

The Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh (also known as the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve) is a nerve in the human body that provides sensory innervation to the skin of the posterior aspect of the thigh and the popliteal fossa.

Etymology

The term "Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh" is derived from its anatomical position and function. "Posterior" refers to the back or rear, "cutaneous" is derived from Latin cutis meaning skin, and "thigh" refers to the part of the human body between the hip and the knee.

Anatomy

The Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh originates from the sacral plexus, specifically from the anterior divisions of the second and third sacral nerves, and from the posterior divisions of the first and second sacral nerves. It descends through the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis muscle, and accompanies the inferior gluteal artery to the lower part of the gluteus maximus.

Function

The Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh provides sensory innervation to the skin of the posterior aspect of the thigh and the popliteal fossa. It also gives off perforating cutaneous branches to the skin of the perineum.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh can result in loss of sensation in the areas of the skin it innervates. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or conditions such as sciatica.

Related Terms

• Nerve
• Thigh
• Sacral plexus
• Greater sciatic foramen
• Piriformis muscle
• Inferior gluteal artery
• Gluteus maximus muscle
• Sciatica

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  Cross section of the thigh showing muscles and nerves

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  Diagram of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh

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  Illustration of the sacral plexus and its branches

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  Anatomy of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh

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  Schematic of the sacral plexus