Saphenous nerve

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 15 Oct 2015

The saphenous nerve is the continuation of the deep division of the femoral nerve in the femoral triangle.

Gross anatomy

  • runs within the subsartorial canal, giving off an infrapatellar branch (it also contributes to the subsartorial nerve plexus)
  • curves behind sartorius, appearing behind the medial knee
  • accompanies great saphenous vein, along the posterior border of the tibia
  • passes over the lower aspect of the tibia to appear anterior to the medial malleolus
  • runs along the dorsum of the foot

Supply

  • provides sensation to the medial leg and the medial aspect of the foot as far as the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint
  • the infrapatellar branch supplies sensation to the skin in front over the patella

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.