Which area is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve?

Which area is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve?

• A. Posterior calf musculature
• B. Medial malleolus sensation
• C. Sole of the foot
• D. Anterolateral lower leg and dorsum of the foot

Answer: (D)

The superficial peroneal nerve supplies sensation to the anterolateral lower leg and most of the dorsum of the foot. It also motor-innervates the fibularis (peroneus) longus and brevis, which helps with foot eversion. This differentiates it from nerves that supply the posterior calf or the sole of the foot (those are branches of the tibial nerve) and from the saphenous nerve that covers the medial malleolus. Note that a small area between the first and second toes on the dorsum is supplied by the deep peroneal nerve, not the superficial one. Therefore, the area described as the anterolateral lower leg and dorsum of the foot is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve.

The superficial peroneal nerve supplies sensation to the anterolateral lower leg and most of the dorsum of the foot. It also motor-innervates the fibularis (peroneus) longus and brevis, which helps with foot eversion. This differentiates it from nerves that supply the posterior calf or the sole of the foot (those are branches of the tibial nerve) and from the saphenous nerve that covers the medial malleolus. Note that a small area between the first and second toes on the dorsum is supplied by the deep peroneal nerve, not the superficial one. Therefore, the area described as the anterolateral lower leg and dorsum of the foot is innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve.