Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve

Description

Posterior cutaneous nerve

Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve

Name

• Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (PFCN))
• Posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh
• Lesser sciatic nerve
• Nervus cutaneus posterior femoris

General

• Sensory branch of the sacral plexus
• Arises from the posterior rami of spinal nerves S1 and S2, anterior rami S2 and S3

Gross Anatomy

• Originates from the sacral plexus
• Exits the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen
• Runs deep to gluteus maximus muscle
• Continues inferiorly through posterior thigh where it courses superficial to long head biceps femoris
• Pierces the deep fascia of the popliteus and terminates around mid calf

Sensory Innervation

• Perineum
• Gluteal region
• Posterior thigh
• Proximal posterior leg

Motor Innervation

• None

---

Clinical Significance

• Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block

---

See Also

• Nerve Anatomy Main

---