The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (also known as the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh) is a long, sensory branch of the sacral plexus that innervates the skin in the posterior region of the thigh.

This nerve arises from the ventral branches of the first, second and third sacral nerves (S1 - S3).

It leaves the pelvic cavity via the infrapiriform foramen, lying medially to the the sciatic nerve. Then it descends along the posterior surface of the obturator internus, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus and quadratus femoris, pierces the fascia lata and divides into cutaneous branches.

Along its course, the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve gives off the inferior cluneal nerves and the perineal nerves.

The inferior cluneal nerves (also known as the gluteal branches of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve) are two to three sensory branches that arise from the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve near the lower margin of the gluteus maximus, then turn around the edge of the gluteus maximus reaching its posterior surface. The inferior cluneal nerves innervate the skin in the lower part of the gluteal region.

The perineal nerves are small sensory branches of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh. They turn around the ischial tuberosity, reaching the perineal region. These nerves supply the skin in the perineal region, as well as in the upper and medial side of the thigh.

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Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve