Name

• Sciatic nerves.

Origin

• In both male and female the sciatic nerves are formed from the ventral rami of L4, L5, S1,
S2, and S3, and are a continuation of the upper band of the sacral plexus.

Region

• The sciatic nerves are the largest nerves in the body and leave the pelvis through the
greater sciatic foramina to descend between the greater trochanters of the femur and the
ischial tuberosities.

• The sciatic nerves descend vertically and enter the thigh at the inferior border of gluteus
maximus.

• Moreover, the nerves end at the superior aspect of the popliteal fossae by dividing into
the tibial and the common peroneal nerves.

Branches

• Common peroneal nerves.

• Tibial nerves.

• Muscular branches.

Supply

• The sciatic nerves supply, through their terminal branches, a wide variety of structures,
including the muscles of the back of the thigh.

• For detailed listings on nerve supply, please see tibial and common peroneal nerves.