Overview of Lower Limb - LO 3

3. Describe the cutaneous innervation of the lower limb.

The cutaneous innervation of the lower limb is almost exclusively derived from the lumbar (L1-L4) and sacral (L4-S4) plexuses. Lumbar plexus branches innervate the superior thigh region and the majority of the anterior lower limb. Sacral plexus branches innervate the majority of the posterior lower limb. These cutaneous nerves are derived from larger, source branches, including femoral, obturator, common fibular, and tibial nerves. The sural n. is a cutaneous nerve that has contributions from both the tibial & common fibular nn.

See the images below for a peripheral cutaneous nerve maps of the lower limb.