Common peroneal nerve

The common peroneal nerve (also common fibular nerve, external popliteal nerve, lateral popliteal nerve, Latin: nervus peroneus communis) is one of the terminal branches of the sciatic nerve. The common peroneal nerve is a mixed nerve, it contains sensory and motor fibers.

The common peroneal nerve arises above the popliteal fossa, runs along the medial edge of the biceps femoris to the neck of the fibula, where it divides into terminal branches: the deep peroneal nerve and the superficial peroneal nerve.

On its course the common peroneal nerve gives rise to two side branches: the articular branches and lateral sural cutaneous nerve.

The common peroneal nerve supplies the short head of the biceps femoris, provides sensory innervation for the skin of the lateral region of the lower leg and the dorsum of foot, and also for the knee joint.