From the Guidelines
The terminal branches of the sacral plexus are the gluteal, peroneal, and tibial nerves. These nerves supply motor and sensory innervation to the gluteal region, lateral, and posterior thigh and lower leg 1.
Key Points
- The sacral plexus is comprised of the ventral rami of L4-S4 spinal nerves.
- The terminal branches of the sacral plexus include:
- Gluteal nerves: providing motor innervation to the gluteal region.
- Peroneal nerves: supplying motor and sensory innervation to the lateral thigh and lower leg.
- Tibial nerves: supplying motor and sensory innervation to the posterior thigh and lower leg.
Clinical Relevance
Understanding the terminal branches of the sacral plexus is crucial in evaluating patients with lower limb pain, weakness, or sensory disturbances 1. This knowledge is also essential during surgical approaches to the hip and posterior thigh. The sciatic nerve, formed by the union of the ventral rami of L4-S3 spinal nerves, is a significant nerve that exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen and travels down the posterior thigh, eventually dividing into the tibial and common peroneal nerves 1.
From the Research
Terminal Branch of Sacral Plexus
The terminal branch of the sacral plexus is the pudendal nerve.
- The pudendal nerve is derived from the S2, S3, and S4 nerve roots of the sacral plexus 2, 3, 4.
- It provides sensory, motor, and autonomic innervation to the perineum, including the external genitalia, anus, and perineal muscles 5, 3, 4.
- The pudendal nerve plays a crucial role in controlling urinary and fecal continence, as well as sexual function 2, 3, 4.
- Damage to the pudendal nerve can result in various symptoms, including urinary and fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and perineal numbness 6, 5.