12 Nerves and Vessels of the Lower Extremity
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the anatomy of the nerves of the lower extremity.
- Identify the muscles and sensory regions innervated by each nerve of the lower extremity.
- Describe the arteries of the lower extremity and identify the regions supplied by each artery.
- Describe the veins of the lower extremity and identify the regions drained by each vein.
Terms to Know
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Nerves of the Lower Extremity
Veins of the Lower Extremity
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Arteries of the Lower Extremity
Other Terms
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Introduction
Today you will learn about the neurovasculature of the lower extremity. You will use videos from the digital atlas, lower extremity dissections, plastinated specimens, and image slideshows to explore the nerves, arteries, and veins of the gluteal region, thigh, leg, and foot. Keep in mind that all structures are not visible using all tools, and that is OK. By the end of the lab today, you should have identified all of the structures on the list using multiple sources. Over the next two labs, you will learn about the muscles, and you will make the connection between these nerves and vessels and the muscles they innervate or supply.
In this lab, we will mention the general area innervated and supplied by these nerves and vessels. In future labs, we will study this more in-depth. You should reference the muscle tables posted on Canvas to see the specific muscles innervated by each nerve. Use the chart to complete the practice activity at the end of this virtual lab guide chapter.
Lab Activities
Activity 1: Posterior Neurovasculature of the Lower Extremity
Like the previous units, you should use nearby structures as a reference when identifying neurovascular structures of the lower extremity. By following a nerve or artery to a specific muscle, you can determine which artery or nerve it is. In addition to the videos posted on Canvas, you can observe these structures using Abrahams’ and Netter’s atlases and sources on the Resources page.
- Gluteal Region: Observe the inferior and superior gluteal nerves and inferior and superior gluteal arteries. The inferior gluteal nerve and artery travel together, while the superior gluteal nerve and artery also travel together. Together these nerves and vessels supply and innervate the muscles of the gluteal region and lateral thigh. The arteries are branches off of the internal iliac arteries.
- The ligaments of the pelvis for the greater sciatic foramen in the region of the greater sciatic notch of the pelvis, and the inferior and superior gluteal arteries and nerves both travel through this foramen. The superior gluteal artery and nerve leave the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis muscle. In comparison, the inferior gluteal artery and nerve exit the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis muscle.
- Popliteal artery: Observe the diamond-shaped region at the posterior aspect of the knee, bounded superiorly by the hamstring tendons on each side, and inferi