The term "nervus peronaeus communis" refers to the common peroneal nerve, which runs down the outside of the lower leg. The spelling of this term can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents the sounds of language. "Nervus" is pronounced /ˈnɛrvəs/, "peronaeus" as /pəˈroʊniəs/, and "communis" as /kəˈmjuːnɪs/. Understanding the IPA can aid in proper spelling and pronunciation of complex medical terms like this one.
Nervus peronaeus communis, also known as the common peroneal nerve, is a major branch of the sciatic nerve located in the lower leg. It is one of the two major nerves of the sciatic nerve, the other being the tibial nerve. The common peroneal nerve arises from the sacral plexus in the pelvis and travels down the back of the thigh to the knee, where it then divides into two smaller branches called the superficial peroneal nerve and the deep peroneal nerve.
The main function of the nervus peronaeus communis is to provide motor and sensory innervation to the muscles and skin of the leg and foot. It controls the movement of the muscles that allow dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upward), eversion (turning the foot outward), and sensory sensations over the front and outer parts of the lower leg and the top of the foot.
Damage or injury to the nervus peronaeus communis can cause a condition known as peroneal nerve entrapment or peroneal neuropathy, which may lead to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control foot movement. Common causes of nerve damage include trauma, compression, or nerve entrapment due to factors such as prolonged sitting or crossing legs. Symptoms can include weakness or difficulty lifting the foot, numbness or tingling in the leg or foot, and instability while walking.
Treatment for peroneal nerve damage may include physical therapy to strengthen affected muscles, bracing or orthotic devices to support the foot, pain management techniques, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to release the entrapped or compressed nerve.
Common peroneal nerve, external popliteal nerve, one of the terminal divisions of the sciatic, passing through the latera portion of the popliteal space to opposite the head of the tibia where it divides into the superficial and deep peroneal nerves.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.