The tibial nerve innervates which part of the lower limb?

The tibial nerve is primarily responsible for the innervation of the posterior compartment of the leg and the sole of the foot. It extends from the sciatic nerve and runs down through the popliteal fossa, innervating muscles that are involved in plantarflexion and toe movements.

Muscles such as the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis posterior are controlled by the tibial nerve, allowing for actions such as standing on tiptoes and flexing the toes. Additionally, the tibial nerve provides sensory innervation to the sole of the foot, which is crucial for proprioception and touch sensations in that area.

In contrast, the medial aspect of the foot is primarily innervated by the medial plantar nerve (a branch of the tibial nerve) and the lateral plantar nerve, but these branches do not encompass the full extent of the tibial nerve's role. Similarly, the anterior thigh is innervated mainly by the femoral nerve, and the lateral thigh corresponds to the innervation by the superior gluteal nerve and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Understanding these anatomical relationships is essential for grasping the role of the tibial nerve in the nervous system's function regarding the lower limb.