The saphenous nerve is a cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve in the lower limb. It supplies innervation to the skin of the medial knee, leg, and 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 saphenous nerve arises from the posterior division of the femoral nerve at the level of the mid-thigh. It accompanies the femoral artery within the adductor canal (a muscular tunnel located in the thigh). At the end of the canal, the adductor hiatus, the saphenous nerve pierces the fascia between the sartorius and gracilis muscles on the medial aspect of the knee. It then travels superficially along the medial side of the leg (accompanied by the long saphenous vein) – supplying the skin on the medial aspect of the knee, leg, and foot. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 1 Anatomical course of the femoral nerve and its two cutaneous branches – anterior cutaneous fibres and saphenous nerve. Pro Feature - Dissection Images Medial aspect of the leg, demonstrating the long saphenous vein and saphenous nerve. Medial aspect of the leg, demonstrating the long saphenous vein and saphenous nerve. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Sensory Functions The saphenous nerve supplies cutaneous innervation to the skin of the anteromedial knee, leg and foot. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 2The cutaneous innervation of the branches of the femoral nerve. Print Article Rate This Article