Superficial fibular nerve

A branch of the common fibular nerve, crucial for sensation in the lower leg and foot.

The superficial fibular nerve is one of the terminal branches of the common fibular nerve, which itself arises from the sciatic nerve. This nerve is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to parts of the lower leg and dorsum of the foot. It also plays a role in motor control by innervating some of the muscles in the lateral compartment of the leg.

Terminologia Anatomica

nervus fibularis superficialis

System

Nervous system

Function

The primary function of the superficial fibular nerve is twofold: it facilitates sensory perception and contributes to motor function. Sensory fibers of the nerve carry signals from the skin of the lower leg and the dorsum of the foot, allowing for the sensation of touch, pain, and temperature. This sensory feedback is crucial for maintaining balance and coordinating movements during walking or running. Additionally, the superficial fibular nerve innervates the fibularis longus and fibularis brevis muscles. These muscles are essential for foot eversion, a movement that allows the foot to turn outward. Effective functioning of these muscles promotes stability and control when navigating uneven surfaces, making them integral to activities involving lateral movement.

Location

The superficial fibular nerve is located in the lateral compartment of the leg. It branches off from the common fibular nerve as it winds around the neck of the fibula, a bone situated on the outer side of the lower leg. After branching, it travels down the leg between the fibula and the surrounding muscles. As it descends, it becomes more superficial, meaning it is closer to the surface of the body. Near the ankle, the nerve enters the dorsum of the foot, where it divides into branches that supply sensation to the skin on the top of the foot and parts of the toes, completing its pathway as it supports both sensory and motor functions across these regions.

Did You Know?

The superficial fibular nerve is often tested in clinical settings to assess injury or nerve damage.
Injuries to the superficial fibular nerve can lead to foot drop or difficulty in eversion of the foot.
This nerve also has a pathway that affects the sensory input from the web space between the first and second toes.