Nerve Supply to the Pelvic Limb

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[ FemoralN ] [ SaphenousN ] [ SciaticN ] [ PeronealN ] [ TibialN ] [ GlutealNn ] [ ObturatorN ]

This is that caudolateral view of the hip and thigh that we looked at earlier. The sciatic nerve (A) is one of the major nerve supplies to the muscles of the hind limb. In its course through the thigh, it gives off motor branches to the ham-string muscles. Which muscles are these?

The biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles (the hamstring muscles) act together to extend the hip and flex the stifle. The cranial parts of both the biceps femoris and semimembranosis muscles may also extend the stifle. The biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles also act to extend the hock.

Generally, in the distal thigh, the sciatic nerve branches into the common peroneal nerve (B) and the tibial nerve (C). The common peroneal nerve then courses to the craniolateral muscles of the crus, while the tibial nerve goes to the caudal muscles of the crus.

Scroll down to see another image that shows the course of the common peroneal nerve to the craniolateral muscles and the tibial nerve to the caudal muscles of the crus. The tibial can be seen again between the deep digital flexor muscles and the common calcanean tendon.