Sciatic nerve: branches, course and clinical significance - Human Anatomy | Kenhub
The sciatic nerve is the largest peripheral nerve in the body, and extends from the lower end of the spinal cord, through the thigh, before dividing just above the knee joint. The sciatic nerve is a large, bilateral nerve which is formed from the anterior and posterior divisions of spinal nerves L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3. It is the largest branch of the lumbosacral plexus. The sciatic nerve proper innervates the proximal parts of the hamstring muscles, which are the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscles. In addition, it also supplies innervation to the ischial component of adductor magnus. After the nerve bifurcates, it innervates the long head of biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus and adductor magnus muscles, via the tibial component, and the short head of biceps femoris, through its common peroneal component. It's two terminal branches are the tibial and common peroneal nerves, which provide motor and sensory innervation to the leg and foot.
