Medial Plantar Nerve - Podcast Version TeachMeAnatomy 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The medial 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 medial two thirds 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 medial 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 travels between the abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis along the medial aspect of the foot. It is accompanied by the medial plantar artery along its course. At the level of the metatarsal heads, the medial plantar nerve terminates as sensory branches to the medial three and half digits. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The medial plantar nerve. Motor Supply The medial plantar nerve provides motor innervation to four of the plantar foot muscles: Abductor hallucis Flexor digitorum brevis Flexor hallucis brevis First lumbrical The remaining plantar foot muscles are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve. Sensory Supply The medial plantar nerve supplies sensation to the skin of the medial two thirds of the sole and medial three 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 medial plantar nerve? The medial plantar nerve primarily provides motor innervation to specific plantar foot muscles and sensory innervation to the medial two-thirds of the sole of the foot. It plays a crucial role in foot movement and sensation. What muscles are innervated by the medial plantar nerve? The medial plantar nerve innervates four key muscles: the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, and the first lumbrical. These muscles are essential for various foot movements. Where does the medial plantar nerve originate? The medial plantar nerve is a terminal branch of the tibial nerve, arising within the tarsal tunnel, which is located posterior to the medial malleolus at the ankle. It then enters the foot by passing deep to the abductor hallucis muscle. What areas of the foot does the medial plantar nerve supply sensation to? The medial plantar nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin covering the medial two-thirds of the sole and the medial three and a half toes. This sensory supply is vital for maintaining balance and proprioception. How does the medial plantar nerve travel through the foot? The medial plantar nerve travels between the abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis along the medial aspect of the foot, accompanied by the medial plantar artery. It terminates at the metatarsal heads as sensory branches to the medial digits. Rate This Article