The nerve travels in the posterior compartment of the thigh behind (superficial to) the adductor magnus muscle, and is itself in front of (deep to) the long head of the biceps femoris muscle. At the popliteal fossa, the nerve divides into its two branches:: 532 
The tibial nerve, which travels down the posterior compartment of the leg into the foot
The common fibular nerve (also called the common peroneal nerve), which travels down the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg into the footThe sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. : 422–4

Development
Function
The sciatic nerve supplies sensation to the skin of the foot, as well as the entire lower leg (except for its inner side). Sensation to skin to the sole of the foot is provided by the tibial nerve, and the lower leg and upper surface of the foot via the common fibular nerve. : 422–4 The sciatic nerve also innervates muscles. In particular:: 422–4 
Via the tibial nerve, the muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg and sole of the foot (plantar aspect). Via the common fibular nerve, the muscles in the anterior and lateral compartments of the leg. Clinical significance
Sciatica
Pain caused by a compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by a problem in the lower back is called sciatica. Common causes of sciatica include the following lower back and hip conditions:  spinal disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and piriformis syndrome. Other acute causes of sciatica include coughing, muscular hypertension, and sneezing.
However, this is still considered controversial.If the papillary fibroelastoma is associated with symptoms, surgical excision is generally recommended for relief of symptoms. A minimally invasive approach may be possible if the tumor involves the aortic valve or right atrium. In the case of aortic valve involvement, excision of the tumor is often valve-sparing, meaning that replacement of the valve with a prosthetic valve is not necessary. Repair of the native valve with a pericardial patch has been described. See also
Endocardial fibroelastosis

References


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