Muscles Supplied by the Sciatic Nerve

Anatomy and Innervation

• The sciatic nerve directly innervates the hamstring muscle group in the posterior compartment of the thigh, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists 1, 2
• The sciatic nerve supplies all muscles in the gluteal region, lateral and posterior thigh, and all muscles below the knee through its terminal branches, as stated by the American College of Radiology 3, 4

Clinical Relevance

• The sciatic nerve or its branches cross both the hip and the knee joints, making it vulnerable to stretch injury with excessive hip flexion or hamstring stretching, as noted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists 1, 2, 5
• Sciatic neuropathy causes weakness and sensory loss in the gluteal, peroneal, and tibial nerve territories, according to the American College of Radiology 3, 4