Nervus plantaris externus is a Latin term used in anatomy to refer to a specific nerve in the human body. More commonly known as the lateral plantar nerve in English, it is one of the major nerves in the foot.
The nervus plantaris externus arises from the sciatic nerve, specifically the tibial nerve, which runs down the back of the leg. It passes beneath the flexor retinaculum, a band of tissue in the ankle, and enters the sole of the foot through a small opening known as the tarsal tunnel.
Once in the foot, the nervus plantaris externus provides sensory innervation, or feeling, to the skin on the outer side of the foot, including the little toe and the fourth toe. It also supplies motor innervation, or control, to muscles in the foot that control movements such as flexion and abduction of the little toe.
Any damage or compression along the pathway of the nervus plantaris externus can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain on the outer aspect of the foot. These symptoms may radiate from the ankle to the toes and can be associated with conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome or nerve entrapment.
Understanding the anatomical structure and function of the nervus plantaris externus is essential for medical professionals, especially those involved in foot-related health issues, as it helps in diagnosing and treating potential nerve-related problems in the foot.
