Origin and course?
The tibial nerve (n. tibialis) divides into two terminal branches: the medial and lateral plantar nerves. The resulting medial and lateral neurovascular bundles pass into the tarsal tunnel (canalis calcaneus) and then continue onto the sole.
Throughout its course, the lateral plantar nerve runs adjacent to the lateral plantar artery (a. plantaris lateralis).
What branches does it divide into?
In the deep layer of the sole, the following branches of the lateral plantar nerve are present:
- Superficial branch (r. superficialis n. plantaris lateralis).
- Deep branch (r. profundus n. plantaris lateralis) — together with the deep plantar arch (arcus plantaris profundus).
- Proper plantar digital nerves (nn. digitales plantares propriae) — for sensory innervation of the skin of the digits.
Which muscles does it innervate?
The lateral plantar nerve is responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of the 5th digit, adductor hallucis, quadratus plantae, lumbricals II to IV, plantar and dorsal interossei, and the lateral part of the flexor hallucis brevis.
The muscles innervated by the n. plantaris lateralis include:
- Muscles of the 5th digit, including abductor digiti minimi (m. abductor digiti minimi).
- Adductor hallucis (m. adductor hallucis) — both its heads: transverse and oblique.
- Quadratus plantae (m. quadratus plantae).
- Lumbricals (mm. lumbricales) — II–IV.
- Plantar interossei (mm. interossei plantares) — 3 muscles.
- Dorsal interossei (mm. interossei dorsales) — 4 muscles.
- The lateral part of the flexor hallucis brevis (m. flexor hallucis brevis).
Which skin areas does it innervate?
The sensory branches of the lateral plantar nerve provide innervation to the following areas of the foot skin:
- Lateral part of the sole.
- 5th digit.
- Lateral half of the 4th digit.
For comparison: the calcaneal region is innervated by the tibial nerve (n. tibialis), the medial margin and center of the sole by the medial plantar nerve, and a narrow strip of the medial surface by the saphenous nerve (n. saphenus).
Rule for the functions of the interossei innervated by the lateral plantar nerve: PAD (Plantar ADduct) — plantar interossei adduct the digits, DAB (Dorsal ABduct) — dorsal interossei abduct.
Class and exam questions
Which vessels does the lateral plantar nerve accompany?
Throughout its course on the foot, it runs adjacent to the lateral plantar artery (a. plantaris lateralis).
Through which canal does the nerve enter the sole?
The lateral plantar neurovascular bundle enters the tarsal tunnel (canalis calcaneus) and then continues onto the sole.
Which digits of the foot receive cutaneous innervation from this nerve?
The lateral plantar nerve innervates the skin of the 5th digit and the lateral half of the 4th digit.
Does this nerve innervate the muscles of the great toe?
Yes, it innervates the adductor hallucis (m. adductor hallucis), as well as the lateral part of the flexor hallucis brevis.
What else to study on this topic
- Tibial nerve (n. tibialis)
- Medial plantar nerve (n. plantaris medialis)
- Calcaneal canal (canalis calcaneus)
- Deep plantar arch (arcus plantaris profundus)
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