Lateral Plantar Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The lateral plantar nerve is a branch of the tibial nerve in the foot. It supplies motor innervation to the plantar foot muscles and cutaneous sensation to the lateral third of the sole of the foot. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The lateral plantar nerve is a terminal branch of the tibial nerve. It arises within the tarsal tunnel – an area posterior to the medial malleolus at the ankle. It enters the foot by passing deep to the proximal attachment of the abductor hallucis muscle. It then passes in a plane between quadratus planus and flexor digitorum brevis. It is accompanied by the lateral plantar artery along its course. At the head of the fifth metatarsal, the lateral plantar nerve divides into superficial and deep branches: Superficial – supplies sensation to the lateral third of the sole of the foot and the lateral one and a half toes. Deep – supplies the deep intrinsic muscles of the foot. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The superficial and deep branches of the lateral plantar nerve. Motor Supply The lateral plantar nerve supplies motor innervation to the majority of the intrinsic foot muscles: Abductor digiti minimi Quadratus plantae Lumbricals 2-4 Adductor hallucis Flexor digiti minimi brevis Dorsal and plantar interossei. The remaining plantar foot muscles are innervated by the medial plantar nerve. Sensory Supply The lateral plantar nerve supplies sensation to the skin of the lateral third of the sole and the lateral one and a half toes. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2Cutaneous innervation to the sole of the foot. Frequent questions What is the function of the lateral plantar nerve? The lateral plantar nerve primarily provides motor innervation to most intrinsic muscles of the foot and sensory supply to the lateral third of the sole and the lateral one and a half toes. This dual role is essential for both movement and sensation in the foot. Where does the lateral plantar nerve originate? The lateral plantar nerve is a branch of the tibial nerve that arises within the tarsal tunnel, located posterior to the medial malleolus at the ankle. It enters the foot by passing deep to the proximal attachment of the abductor hallucis muscle. What muscles are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve? The lateral plantar nerve innervates several intrinsic foot muscles, including the abductor digiti minimi, quadratus plantae, and the lumbricals 2-4, among others. This innervation is crucial for various foot movements and stability. How does the lateral plantar nerve divide within the foot? At the head of the fifth metatarsal, the lateral plantar nerve divides into superficial and deep branches. The superficial branch supplies sensation to the lateral third of the sole and toes, while the deep branch innervates the deep intrinsic muscles of the foot. What areas receive sensory innervation from the lateral plantar nerve? The lateral plantar nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin covering the lateral third of the sole of the foot and the lateral one and a half toes. This sensory function is vital for proprioception and protective reflexes in the foot. Rate This Article