Sciatic Nerve

Question 1

Roots

Answer 1

L4-S3

Question 2

Motor functions

Answer 2

Muscles of the posterior thigh and hamstring portion of adductor magnus
Indirectly innervates muscles of leg and foot

Question 3

Sensory function

Answer 3

No direct sensory function

Indirectly innervates the skin of the lateral leg, heel, and both dorsal and plantar surfaces of the foot

Question 4

Intramuscular injections

Answer 4

Anatomical course of the sciatic nerve must be considered when administering intramuscular injections into the gluteal region
Can be divided into quadrants using 2 lines
One line descending vertically from highest point of the iliac crest
Other horizontal line through the vertical line halfway between the highest point on the iliac crest and the ischial tuberosity
Sciatic nerve passes through the lower medial quadrant
Injections given in the upper lateral quadrant to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve