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common peroneal nerve
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Posterior anatomical illustration of the right leg showing muscles and the sciatic nerve branching from the sacral plexus, with labeled nerves, muscles, and tendons throughout the thigh and calf.
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common peroneal nerve

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Posterior anatomical illustration of the right leg showing muscles and the sciatic nerve branching from the sacral plexus, with labeled nerves, muscles, and tendons throughout the thigh and calf.
sciatic nerve Posterior view of the right leg, showing the sciatic nerve and its branches.

The common peroneal nerve is a major nerve in the human body that branches off from the sciatic nerve above the back of the knee. It is one of the two main continuations of the sciatic nerve, the other being the tibial nerve. The common peroneal nerve serves the lower leg and foot, contributing to movement and sensation in these areas. It travels to the anterior surface of the leg and innervates muscles responsible for extending the foot and toes, as well as providing sensation to the outer sides of the leg and the top of the foot.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. sciatic nerve
  2. human nervous system - Sacral plexus

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