Sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs down the lower limb. It is the longest single nerve in the body.

Arising from the lower part of the sacral plexus, the sciatic nerve enters the gluteal region by the greater sciatic foramen of the hip bone.

It continues down the posterior compartment of the thigh, until it separates into the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve. The location of this division varies between people.

Pain along the sciatic nerve is called sciatica.

Sciatic nerves from frogs and rats are often used in physiology experiments on nerve conduction. This is because this nerve is large, and is easily dissected and manipulated.